In the late 1970s, I became an artist. My mom sewed my art bag, a tote big enough to hold my tablet paper, with pockets on the outside labeled, "eraser," "pencils,' "paints," and "pastels." I walked two blocks from my house to my art teacher's house every week, and along with a few classmates, I'd create whatever she was showing us how to make. Step by step, following each instruction, trying to make something "good" that looked like her example. Later, she began to demonstrate a technique, and then allowed us to make our own art using that method. That’s when something clicked inside of me.
I remember thinking that everything in my life was art. Drawing, painting, writing poetry and stories at school, I was a creator of art. Later, I danced and figure skated, making art by moving my body. In college, when I studied to be a teacher, one of my professors referred to "the art of teaching," and that made sense to me.
Many years later, after marriage, and work, and motherhood, I found clay, and I began creating again. I am an artist, after all.
And this summer, I’m having my first-ever EXHIBIT with my ART and I’m so excited. And scared. And proud. All of the feelings…
What makes it better is that I’m not doing it alone. My beautiful friend Siobhan Bedford agreed to share the show with me. I’m so grateful that she said yes and will hang her amazing work alongside mine.
What will make it even better is if YOU will come too. If you are able, please come to our opening of Earth + Ether on July 7, 2023 at 5:30pm at The Jeweled Warrior in Chester Springs, PA. The little girl with the big art bag with pockets sewn on the outside (that is me) would be so happy to see you.
