I was raised in Oswego, N.Y. and thrived during my summers as a third generation River Rat on Wellesley Island. The River has long inspired my creativity in art and writing. I earned my degree in Fine Art at SUNY Oswego, concentrating on painting and photography, along with additional studies in writing. A degree in Forest Technology helped to sharpen my understanding of the natural environment. In 1985 I earned my MSW from Syracuse University and pursued a professional career as Clinical Social Worker, interweaving the creative arts into my interventions with troubled children and families.

     Around the edges of career and family life, I painted portraits of pets and children by commission. I participated in the Binghamton Roberson Photo Club, honing my critical eye through club critique and competition. I received awards state-wide for my nature photography, including a first place in the Syracuse regional Kodak International Newspaper Snapshot Awards and Gold Medal in the 2022 Thousand Islands Life Magazine photo contest. I also continued with writer's groups and classes. I published my first book of poetry and essays on  River-inspired rhythms of nature and family life through the seasons, titled: "When I Pause to Listen".

      I paint with acrylics, oils and occasionally colored pencil. These mediums allow me to develop my focus on fine detail and capturing the personalities of pets and wildlife. My art is about celebrating the extraordinary beauty of life through all the seasons in this special environment. I am constantly alert to changing light, color or surprising action. Photography is usually my first response to the immediacy of the moment. At times a photograph is the chosen medium and sometimes it is just the beginning of a process. My drawings and paintings come from a deeper inspiration and usually evolve from both direct observation and my own photo references, or an image just unfolds from its own imaginary place.  It’s all a delight!

      Paintings, photographs and high-quality paper and canvas giclee prints are available locally at Bay House Artisans Gallery in Alexandria Bay, N.Y. and through my website.

Thank you for your interest!