My Story

I was the second of six children, born on my mother's birthday. Julie had the gift of making each of us feel uniquely special. I was the "artistic one." My creativity was nurtured from an early age by my mother, art teachers and peers, some private art classes, and even a couple of Girl Scout national art awards. 

   At 17, I received a scholarship to Memphis State University and decided to pursue a career in graphic design. I wanted a creative work life with a steady paycheck and benefits, where I could wear my jeans to work. I have spent my entire adult life in that pursuit, and every day has brought challenges and opportunities for growth and recognition.
  During my 50+ year career, specializing in magazine art direction, I thought of myself as a "Visual Storyteller." My job was to interpret the written word visually, using typography, composition, harmonious color, and meaningful imagery to convey a message in an appropriate and compelling way. I hired hundreds of talented illustrators and photographers to bring my concepts to life.

   A few years ago, I took a collage class and it blew open the doors to a whole new avenue for my creativity. Collage allows me to use my design skills while embracing intentional imperfections, serendipitous juxtapositions, and textures. Now the visual storytelling is my own.

   I work primarily in mixed-media collage, combining my gelli prints, stained and marked papers, drawings, watercolors and photographs, with found imagery, papers, and text. My recent work explores personal memories; symbolism of holidays, seasons, and astrology; and abstracts as well. Rabbits, my “spiritual animal,” occasionally hop into my artwork. 

   I've lived roughly two decades each in Memphis (after growing up in Caruthersville, MO), the San Francisco Bay Area (including a two-year job assignment in London), and Santa Fe (with a three-year side-trip to San Marcos TX). In 2016, my husband, photographer Chuck West, and I moved to Asheville,  We collaborate on many creative projects. Away from the studio, I love staying connected to friends and family, traveling, spending time with our feisty Corgi puppy Fiona, and enjoying our two adorable grandsons.

   PORTRAIT BY CHUCK WEST