I recall from my earliest days my mother telling others that I was born with a pencil in my hand. I was continually drawing as a youngster, sometimes on surfaces like the house walls. Needless to say that did not make my Mother happy. When other children were asking Santa for toys, my list consisted of art supplies. I spent my youth outside drawing all that Creation had to offer as my inspiration.
One of my greatest supporters was my Grandfather, a distinguished architect and engineer. I am certain this is where I inherited my love for impeccable detail. At the age of ten I discovered pen and ink drawing. Being from New Orleans I drew plantation scenes, making certain that the structures were as close to perfect as possible. Soon I started adding watercolors to enhance the ink, which led to my first commission pieces.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. I owned and operated an art school, ARTWORKS, for 20 years while also creating art, entering competitions and earning commissions. During this time I was primarily a watercolorist.
Following a trip to Greece and viewing the beautiful mosaics I have focused on Fine Paper Mosaics over the last ten years. Working with glass or tile places limitations on my ability to cut intricate pieces, so I developed the process to use paper in lieu of glass. The color palette of paper is endless. I am proud that the majority of my papers sourced from discarded material were destined for landfills … “Trash to Treasure”. Early on, my art utilized mostly linear cuts creating a design of individually hand-cut pieces fitting tightly together. Today, with a greater supply of colored and textured papers, I blend colors to create mosaics with a more realistic appearance – truly “Painting with Paper”. I developed a technique (“secret sauce”) to individually hand-embellish each individual piece to further draw up the color and provide depth. The final result is amazing.
Capturing the beauty of creation is still my passion. My desire is for my mosaics and watercolors to be enjoyed by many for a lifetime.
Four years ago several volunteer artists began teaching a group of Special Needs Adults (First Saturday Special Friends). At a recent Market Street Art Festival they sold 67 pieces of art. Imagine the pride and self-confidence when a customer purchases their art. Blessings flow in both directions.
Not long after my move to The Woodlands, I was introduced to Kari Schmidt, owner of Cornerstone Framing. I have exclusively tapped into her skills for all my custom framing. If interested in a Private Showing for art and framing, contact me through my website @ www.mosaicsandwatercolors.com .
I am proud to participate for my fourth year in The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival to be held on April 10 & 11, 2021. It is wonderful event that draws artists from around the Nation.
--SIDEBAR---
On the Cover: “Side by Side”, my Fine Paper Mosaic, is a created scene on a cold wintery day. The cool metallic grayish background is in contrast to the vibrant colored robins sitting on the branch snuggled together, hence side by side. The use of metallic paper added with the embellishment enhances the beautiful, sparkling glass appearance. Enjoy.
