Creating Paintings

Art-making has always been my way to work through life’s struggles, celebrate life’s joys, and reach out to others. In 1989-90, while struggling with the decision to get a divorce—after thirty-two years of marriage and thirty years of creating fabric appliqués—I turned to painting, a more spontaneous medium, to help me work through intense emotions and difficult decisions.

I liked painting and wanted to continue, but was conflicted because I did not want to lose the sense of closeness to Grandmom Bessie I had while sewing. The memory of keeping Grandmom company while she sewed was very dear to me. When painting the very detailed “Bread Upon the Waters,” I was reassured. I felt Bessie’s presence cheering me on. Since then, painting with acrylics has been my medium of choice.