ARTIST STATEMENT I have always been fascinated by how color, inanimate objects and creatures have held representational “meanings” for people throughout time and geographical locations; be it flowers in the Victorian era or totem animals within Native American tribes. I use subtle symbols within every canvas story I paint. I am intrigued with the idea that objects holding superstitious qualities can be found to have similar connotations with cultures far removed by time and land. I tend to work in themed suites, series of around four to eight paintings. While I do not exhibit my work as self-portraits, they are based on the concept of capturing the world around me; as well as within me. My paintings are motivated by what it is like to be a woman in contemporary culture and my interests in where we have come from - the cultural traditions that continue and morph over time. More recently, my themes have become reflective of my personal journey through life – aging, loss, memories.