I feel I was born loving art. I paint things that move me and I love the peace I find in everyday living. My art is an expression of what I love about life. I can remember at a very early age, before I was 10, sitting in front of the full length mirror on the back of my bedroom door and drawing portraits of myself in pencil. I used to go to Bird Island with my family and bring home sand dollars to paint beach scenes on them. The only supplies I had came from the local hardware store and the brushes were not quite small enough for the detail I wanted, so I made mine from dog hair, toothpicks and scotch tape.

AA I always wanted to be an artist but never really pursued instruction. Years passed and when I turned 40, I decided to just try and put everything I had into seeing the extent of my talent. I really thought that my talent may have been lost by not using it. It has been the most wonderful experience for me and beyond that, I can finally donate art to help others raise money.

AA I’ve won 16 awards in the last six years and have sold many commissioned paintings. In June of 2003, I had my first show through the Columbus County Arts Council in Whiteville, North Carolina, sold five originals, several limited edition prints of my work. In 2004, I was accepted into the Artists of Southeastern North Carolina: A Juried Exhibition at the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina. My second show was in March of 2005, at Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, North Carolina. I’ve given several talks about my work to local clubs and enjoy sharing my story.

      I was advised once by a fellow artist not to give my art away and I feel like I’m doing the opposite. I enjoy donating whenever I’m asked. I also feel that time is precious and that every minute in life counts. It is truly amazing what you can do with the talent you are given if you just try.