Summerfair Gala Quilts

If someone would ask “describe yourself” the first comment I would make is I am a parent. I love my two daughters Lindsey and Kaitlin more than words can describe. Many people have contributed to the creation of my daughters. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles have influenced them. Teachers, friends and others have touched the lives of my children. I did not do this alone. I am blessed and grateful. The second comment I would make is I am an art teacher; my days at Oak Hills High School are filled with artistic energy and passion. My students are my second family and I hope I have influenced them in some way. My work is narrative and very personal to me. Children are my passion. They are a gift to be cherished, nurtured, protected and loved. From this strong belief, I created my Summerfair piece. Symbolism through shapes and colors are important in my work. In this piece, the tree symbolizes the family. Does the word family only describe the traditional family? Energy, time, support from all members or branches of the family are essential in the creation of a child. A child grows in the womb of the family. Children need each one of us. Our hearts must be open. Painting with thread is the vision I feel as I work on my textile pieces. Many of my fabrics are hand dyed. I hope to make a surface that is visually eclectic. This medium combines my love for rich textures and colors; it is my perfect palette and it has become my voice.