Toward the end of my first marriage, I struggled with conflicting thoughts and feelings. Not wanting family and friends to have to take sides, I did not share what I was experiencing. I kept a sketchbook where I expressed myself. And because fabric appliqué and stitchery designs took too long to create (for all I wanted to say visually), I began to paint again in the year preceeding our separation and divorce.

When making art about our troubled marriage, I tried to be aware that two people contribute to a marital relationship. I kept in mind that many couples have experienced similar difficulties. These paintings were for me, and also are for other couples who are struggling.

Note: I considered my former husband's feelings in deciding whether to show these paintings publicly.