I am a retired librarian and elementary school teacher. I love to learn and have taken classes in book and box making, needle arts, metalsmithing, enameling and calligraphy. I like to use what I have learned to challenge myself to combine multiple mediums in my art. I am usually working on multiple pieces so I can step back and let my art tell me what to do next. I use leather, paper, cloth, thread, metal, paint, ink and enamel. I like the challenge of combining more than one technique and multiple materials in the same art piece. I came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for inpatient rehabilitation after spine surgery to replace a degenerated disk. I am so grateful to everyone ... the doctors, nurses, PCTs, therapists, art therapist, chaplain, housekeepers and food service team members. Everyone was kind, patient and encouraging. I feel that I made great progress because of their holistic approach to treatment. I have been making art since I could hold a needle. I’ve been on a creative journey over many years. There have been some detours, but no roadblocks. My art shows what I’ve learned and who I am.
I’m into all kinds of art. I love working with charcoal. It’s something about the messiness of charcoal that I love. I really like abstract art, and I’m learning more about all different art styles. In 2013, I first started noticing symptoms of foot drop after I almost fell down the stairs. I went to my doctor and I did not get answers until 2020. I had a bony growth that was protruding into my spinal cord. I first stayed at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2021 following surgery. That’s when I was first introduced to art therapy. I was frustrated and scared, because it was the first time that I had such a major surgery and I couldn’t walk after. The art therapist had me start by drawing a picture. It was my first time drawing in years. It let me know that, no matter what my situation is, I could do it. I’ve learned to draw whatever comes to your mind. Whatever you want to vent or to release. I learned to stop letting my mind get the best of me. I am excited to learn more about what else I can do. I can only go up from here. I’m honored to be a part of Art in Motion. “We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.” — Dr. Maya Angelou
Hand Sewn Leather Journal with Embroidered Stars 7.5”x 5”x1”
Hand Sewn Tan and Blue Journal 7.5”x 5”x1”
Through the looking glass 24”x18”
I like Picasso 24”x18”
Leaf Pendant 2”x2.75”
Triangle Earrings 2.375”x .5”
Poppy Book Necklace 1.875”x1”x.375”
The Waterfall 10”x10”
Green and Black Earrings 1.5”x .625”
Removing the makeup 10”x30”
Tigers Eye Pendant 1.25”x1”
Black Fabric Covered Journal with Window and Exposed Spine Sewing 7.5”x4.75”x1”
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