Throughout my life, art has been a way that I explore thoughts, ideas, and emotions. After graduating from SCAD in 1988, I was diagnosed with autoimmune diseases and became affected by chronic illness. Resuming my art career during covid-19, I began to explore the concepts of journeys, illness, nature, and faith in my art. A constant form that exists in nearly all my art is an organic shape that I identify with as hope and possibility. I am drawn to this shape in nature and in the human body, as I deal with chronic illness, which I have come to recognize as my strength rather than my weakness. Described by others as hollowed trees, nests, seeds, oysters, fruits, eggs, wombs, or cells, my signature organic shapes are purposefully left undefined – allowing the viewers of my art to recognize their own life journeys inside of my paintings. I hope that my works are inspiring to others, by acting as testaments to the healing power of art, as well as the tenacity of the human spirit.