I, sometimes, wish I knew…

When did it all begin, how did it all begin, my journey as an artist? I am asked that question a lot and it makes me wonder if I really know for sure. Looking back I remember well my mom giving to me in small ways what she could to the child with the artistic bent. Thank you, Mom, for enrolling me in that “art” program where every month a much-anticipated box would come in the mail with a new project. Remembrance comes clearly the hours spent in painting the floral design on the, was it glass, and then backing it with foil and framing it, hanging it on the wall where all could see it. Then there was the candy dish with the crafted mice on top of the lid that mom put out faithfully every Christmas on proud display.  Every month something to make.

This is what I must be…

Yet is that the answer to when it all began. Could it be simply that some gene in me designated long before that this is who I would be, what I must be? That is what it has become, a must. Yes, the hours of pouring over the pictures of LIFE magazine played a major part, but that does not explain the compulsion in me to start a new photography project or to start painting a new series.  Where do the unexpected moments of full clarity come from or how to proceed with something before unthought of?

I just know they come and I have prepared myself to listen for them and to follow their lead.  It has been a process of learning, both with the tools and of myself, because isn’t that what I am also, a tool to produce hopefully something beautiful, to give something to others that will help them on this journey we all share.