RENDEZVOUS WEST SERIES
My work is a celebration of the American West—its quiet strength, enduring beauty, and the stories woven into its landscapes, wildlife, and people. Every piece begins with my own original photography, capturing authentic moments that reflect the western way of life. I then transform those images through layers of vintage florals, timeworn wallpaper, aged book pages, encaustic wax, fire, and mixed media, creating artwork that blends history with a fresh, contemporary perspective. Photography has been my creative voice for many years, but my artistic journey naturally evolved into encaustic painting. Working with heated beeswax, natural pigments, fire, and layered textures allows me to create depth, preserve memories, and tell stories that go beyond what a photograph alone can express. I have always been drawn to creating—to discovering beauty in forgotten things and giving them new life. Life has profoundly shaped the work I create. A devastating accident claimed my life partner and left me paralyzed from the chest down, bringing an unexpected end to my career as a flight attendant for a major airline. While I was in spinal cord rehabilitation, I lost both my son and my mother within the following two years. In what felt like an instant, the life I had known was gone, and grief became my constant companion. Art became my way home. Creating gave me purpose when I struggled to find a reason to keep moving forward. Every photograph I take, every layer of wax I fuse with fire, every vintage paper I preserve, and every brushstroke I add becomes part of my own story of healing, remembrance, and hope. My work is a reminder that beauty and brokenness can exist together, and that even after unimaginable loss, life can still create something extraordinary. Today, I find endless inspiration in the Methow Valley, the place that first captured my heart. My ranchette, my horses, the wildlife, and the changing seasons continually influence my work and remind me of the quiet resilience found in nature. The western lifestyle is more than the subject of my art—it is the life I live every day. Through each piece, I hope to preserve not only the spirit of the West but also the strength of the human spirit. My art is layered with history, light, texture, and memory—an invitation to pause, to feel, and to discover beauty in the stories that shape us.
