Learning at the elbows of working artists in their studios, in arts centers, and in academic fine arts programs provided me with a strong foundation in drawing, painting, and printmaking as well as exposure to art materials and methods, art history, and using art to communicate ideas, emotions, and knowledge. Over the years, I have drawn heavily upon my art background and abilities as I made my way through the worlds of natural science illustration, commercial printing, graphic design and visual communications, museum research and exhibit development and design, informal science education, teaching scientific illustration and museum methods, and creating gardens for food, pollinators, and pleasure.
Making art does not need to have a defined purpose. I find making art can be an enjoyable endeavor, a means of discovery, a path of experimentation, and a sensory experience tied to color, texture, light, smell, sound, feel, and vision. Now that I have left the formal workforce, my life continues to be shaped by my ties to fine arts. I draw and experiment with art materials and methods to feed my curiosity and desire to learn and to engage with means of visual communication.
