Life is an artistic adventure! Artists have the gift of seeing ideas/possibilities in even the most mundane things, a blessing and a curse at times. I've finally made peace with myself with the realization that I keep doing art because I HAVE to. It's obsession, an ongoing therapy, an emotional release. Whether it's a commissioned piece or an idea willing itself to a collage, it's always been my Calm in a Storm.

Collage art/mixed assemblage art has always appealed to me. In the nineties I created pins with clock parts, then decided to do furniture - tables, chairs, dressers etc. I've always had a penchant for taking things apart - radios, clocks, typewriters. I've been creating art with metal items for 20+ years BEFORE it was labeled Steampunk. I like creating collages for I like the feel of objects, the textures rearranging sensibilities, reflecting emotion. 3d pieces add to the texture, making a statement. Sometimes I don't know what the statement is exactly - but it has to, and does, come out. Usually I do have an idea why I'm creating a piece and plan it out before I start it.

For 13 years I've exhibited at a gallery in Algoma, WI called The Flying Pig, a shop that bills itself as selling "outsider/edgy art". Though they've been closed for a couple of years they sold 300+ chairs/tables, and other obsessions I've had over the years (hats, Steampunk cuffs, etc.) and offer the same ongoing support and encouragement they've given all their artists over the years.

Klee, Modigliani, Miro, Picasso - all the abstract/contemporary artists inspired me with their bold lines, color and spontaneous expression. It has taken me several years to develop my own style and it's still constantly changing, though people say they can "tell" my style. I like to use old photographs (uncopyrighted of course!) in my artwork, along with freehand drawing. Though I yawned in history classes in school, I now understand the gravity of not repeating it.

I believe it's important for everyone to realize and exercise his or her creativity. My favorite saying is: "You're only limited by your imagination."