Phoenix Nest Soul Arts

I am a late-blooming artist, coming to that process in my mid-thirties after showing very little promise for my success in artistic endeavors. As I reach my seventies, I find myself amazed at the number of art pieces I have created. When I have days that provoke anxiety about my artistic productivity, I look at my extensive documentation to lift my spirits. Is it all wonderful? No. But it’s all there.

I create in many media: cloth, paper, ink, acrylic, canvas, metal, clay—there are few things I haven’t tried in my artistic journey. I am most in love with ink, paper, paint, and canvas. With those elements I create mail art, artist trading cards, hand-made books, art journals, drawings, and paintings. It’s amazing what four art supplies can do.

Earning a BA in Art was just the beginning of my learning. One of my strengths is the ability to gather new ideas and integrate that learning with past experiences. I’m influenced by my experiences in sewing, quilting, Zentangles®, SoulCollage®, book making, drawing, and painting. I’ve taken classes whenever I was able, looking for new techniques and ideas. I’ve been in art groups where we shared inspiration and created together. The energy of such groups is amazing. Art galleries and shows provide additional inspiration. My art is always evolving.

Painting is a highly personal act for me, especially within the framework of Intentional Creativity. Hidden in the layers of my painting are codes and messages, partially or not at all visible. To paint requires inquiry—Why am I painting? What is my message? What do I need to learn? Each painting transforms me and lends new understanding to the life I’ve lived and the future I’ll enter.

I teach in the same way, with question-guided processes that I hope will lead people to the discovery of a new story about their lives. Learning about Intentional Creativity transformed my life, and my purpose is to provide others with the same opportunity.