It is hard to describe the emotions I feel as I work and what I hope the viewer feels when they see the finished piece. As my skills are always challenged and honed, I continue to learn from my friends who are some of the best and most experienced artists around. My artistic voice grows too. My intention is that the viewer may experience a bit of the peace, joy, relief or hope that I feel as I work. • • • Since graduating from Kendall College of Art and Design, I have worked continuously in the graphics and advertising field. Print media, logo identities, and Web were my outlet to creative design. Most of these years were spent with agencies, but in 2000, I decided to freelance as my children were still small. So it was a series of events in 2004 that swept me into the process of learning to master steel. An advertisement in the Kalamazoo Jottings section for artistic welding classes at Smartshop caught my eye. I never thought about welding before, and this just sounded cool. It was many months before the beginner class was scheduled on a night other than Boy Scouts or soccer. Finally, I could attend. Holly Fisher was an inspiring teacher and soon we traded print graphic and Web work for a discount on classes. It was a super arrangement. • • • Many of my pieces have a bird or two in them. While in a particularly stressed period in life, my daughter brought home a poem by Emily Dickinson, Hope. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul…” I see a hopeful day ahead whenever I work on a bird. • • • Digging deeper into my past, I grew up in the middle of farm fields and nature, the only kid I knew of for miles. Life on the farm was calm and a bit uneventful. I had lots of time to experiment with drawing, clay, and things I would find on the farm. I remember climbing trees and feeling lucky to be there. • • • I love being a part of the Signature Artist Co-operative of Kalamazoo. They are a very talented group and are a lively bunch who work hard to keep the Arts active in the area. My plans are to glean advice from these knowledgeable people and learn to expand and promote my work. Creating feels wonderful, but when my work ends up in someone’s home is something I consider an honor.