I was born an artist and all my children are artists. I have used many mediums and forms through which to express my life and give joy to others including, sculpture, photography, film, found-art, collage, papermaking, tattoo and body piercing, acrylic, oils, pastels, charcoal, and watercolor.
Being physically disabled for the past ten years due to on onset of severe Fibromyalgia and have suffered with depression and PTSD for most of my life, I felt it time to do something bigger than myself about it. My body may live in harsh pain, but my spirit is dancing in green meadows.
My mission in helping create the Valkyrie Gallery and Studio is to share the healing power of the arts with disabled children and the elderly. I know that without art I would not be sitting here writing this biography, so if I can give that kind of support to even just one person, then I will be content, though the goal is to provide a service that will continue to be of help to the community into the future. I also feel there is the potential, if this thing really gets going, and I believe it will, that other communities in the area could build off what we are doing here. That, I think, would truly be satisfying. To know that I was part of something good in my life and passed this piece of light into other hearts and minds and for that to be brought forth, yes, that for me spells satisfaction.
This project is a very spiritual endeavor for me. It is presently a very trying experience both physically and mentally. Times are tough, the money is tight, the sadness in the atmosphere can be almost suffocating and I am hunkered down here in the little town of Lanesboro trying to figure out the intricacies of grant writing, setting up a non-profit, making art and supporting my family in a healthy way. I see so many people struggling and I look to myself and say, “What can I do?” I see my family struggling and myself and say, “What can I do?” With one simple question and the desire to earn a living that does right by the world, the idea for Valkyrie Gallery and Studio grew forth. I have seen the need for this service in my day-to-day interactions with mothers and fathers, fellow artists, students and customers. Now my task is trying to fill the gap and create a dialogue. If something is not continually observed and noted, it is forgotten. I do not want human beings and the health of my community to left in the dust. I live here too and my children grew up here, so it seems only natural that I would want to make it better for the whole. Moreover, if the pieces, the individuals that make the whole, are not well then the whole is not well. This place here is my piece, and I am going to try my best to take responsibility and do right by it.
p.s.- Please check out my personal site on paintings I love. It has both a Biography and links to other great artists–many of whom are disabled and all inspiring to my creativity.