Artist Statement

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My artwork has evolved over three decades to include rich textures and a delicious color palette of twenty liquid acrylics that allows me to explore abstracts, landscapes and portraits alike.

I typically begin by creating texture on the canvas using a thick lightweight acrylic paste that allows me to build up the surface, and sculpt and sand it before adding paint. I use a variety of elements such as dried paint and found objects to create additional texture. I like to work quickly and get a lot of paint on the canvas at once, using an array of implements, brushes and my hands to move it around.

The overarching intention in my artwork is to create a respite from the challenges and stresses of modern life by reminding people of their interconnection with the natural world, cycles of time, and with each other, through memories, thoughts, feelings, and hopes and dreams.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and a Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling Psychology, as well as a lifelong interest in and exploration of worldwide, universal spiritual studies and a meditative practice that guides and informs my art making. My artwork is in collections in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Austria and the UK. And I’ve been selected for numerous public art commissions. 

In addition to my studio practice, I produce, curate and jury exhibitions. I'm the co-founder and co-director of D’art Gallery in Denver Colorado. I speak and write on personal, creative and art business development. And I offer workshops that encourage participants to draw inspiration from within themselves and focus on self-expression rather than specifically how to paint or draw. 

I’m grateful to share a creative life and studio/gallery space with my husband, Craig Rouse, and our dog Riley in Denver, Colorado.