As a child, I received a paint set from a family friend who was an art instructor. I treasured that gift and still remember every detail of the wooden box that housed all the individual paints and brushes. While my siblings had music and dance class after school, I always had art class. I studied with a local artist who taught in her basement and also took Saturday morning classes at the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey, near where we lived.

At university I studied French and Art history. I didn’t have the confidence to pursue a Fine Art’s degree which until recently had been a big life regret.

I began a metalsmithing career at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virginia in 1986. I spent two years learning the basics of jewelry making and I also worked in the VO Gallery in Washington, DC. I was very fortunate to work as an apprentice with three different artists in New York City from 1988 to 1991 before launching my own line of jewelry.

In 1998, I moved to China and then Japan in 2001 before returning to the US in 2005. I developed a passion for photography and was able to document my adventures with my camera. Living in Asia for seven years definitely had an impact on my art. I happily welcomed the opportunity to learn about new cultures and ancient histories. I continue to appreciate connections of all people and their contributions to the world as a whole.

Once my children were in high school, I decided to re-open my jewelry studio. I developed a successful line of wearable art. I enjoyed combining precious materials such as south sea pearls with found objects, such as beach pebbles.

In 2017, after a second bout of serious illness, I decided to try watercolor painting during my convalescence. I found the act of drawing and painting to be very healing and soothing. I was reminded of my love of art as a child and my health made me look at life through a new lens. A friend encouraged me to go deeper with my art and to apply to an Atelier program at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. By the Autumn of 2018 I was enrolled as a full-time student in the KOH Atelier under the instruction of Mark Kang-O’Higgins. I continue to learn and to enjoy all the pleasures art has to offer. My belief that art has healing powers is stronger now than ever before.