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 East
Carolina University graciously granted me a degree of BFA in
painting/printmaking and an MFA in fabric design/painting in
1983. I taught for many years at Greenville Museum of Art, and at
the Community College, and continuing education for ECU.
Having had a ton of fun along the way, nurturing my artistic soul
and learned much from a few good teachers, I then discovered that I
must earn a living, and quickly.
So I was awarded an Art teaching certificate in 1984 which was my
ticket (after one year of teaching in Ayden-Grifton NC) to live
and teach in Germany for the Defense Department Schools.
Wunderbar! Never did I think on a teacher's salary I could travel to
the origin of my family.
At every opportunity I traveled. I painted (and tested each small
village's version of Ouzo) for six weeks in Greece, made marks and
splashes in Spain, Yugosalvia, France, Italy, Denmark and Sweden,
Australia. I was humbled in Belgium at the landing beaches I came to
know just what price soldiers pay.
The most notable differences as an artist set loose in Europe vs
America are 1. the natural lighting was better and 2. the ARTS are
supported by the governments, so it was free and affordable to visit
museums, concerts, ballets, and theatres.
The Berlin Wall came down, and I came home with my husband, a
German. In 1991 we had a daughter and soon after I had a new career;
single mom. I did portraits for many years from home but as my
daughter grew older I found the time to working on what I wanted do
in the studio...which was anything but portraits.
As a Navy brat my childhood memories span Panama to Buffalo but
have spent most of my life in NC, and presently live on a small farm
in Maiden. Ya'll come visit me.
In 1995 I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, soon became an advocate
and then was led by my 'wicked' sense of humor toward cartooning
from the tick's POV. I am the "official unofficial" ticktoonist for
the Lyme Disease community. This opened my eyes to the many artists
who also use cartoons as a media.
Tell the truth and set them free, but make them laugh or they will
kill you, as Goya well knew.
Having the pleasure of joining MAG this past June brings me up to
date and looking toward making some art, hanging out with some
artists, and on with the show.
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