Community Connections

Wherever I travel, photography remains my focus. After moving from West Chester to Kennett Square in 2012, Longwood Gardens became my creative playground, with many images drawn from there and other botanical gardens nationwide. Photography underpins my process, anchored by recurring motifs that mirror my life experiences. By weaving memory with imagery, my photollages become personal narratives.

All images are mine; aside from minor exposure or contrast tweaks, no digital manipulation occurs. Once I have a concept, I comb through my photo archives for suitable visuals, then print, hand-cut, and assemble them. Works like Naked in Eden employ low-relief techniques, while Patterns in the Sky includes a giraffe from the Elmwood Zoo and fritillary butterflies from Longwood. Penguins in the Desert pairs St. Louis Zoo penguins with Longwood’s desert garden. I also photograph birds in my backyard and in local preserves like Bucktoe, Ashland, Coverdale, and Cheslen.

My Background

I was immersed in the arts from an early age, with classical music on the radio and my mother teaching me oil painting at six. My passion blossomed through drawing, designing, and taking classes at the Philadelphia Art Museum and Moore College of Art & Design. A transformative moment came when a friend introduced me to photography and the darkroom, leading to summer study at RISD and a degree in photography, printmaking, and art education from Tyler School of Art, Moore College, and the University of the Arts.

Though I initially designed window displays and gift packages for a decade, I soon returned to school to earn my art educator certification. I taught in the visual arts department at Sanford School for 32 years, viewing teaching as an art form while continuing my photography and photo assemblages. My work blends surrealistic elements, unexpected juxtapositions, and an interplay of scale, creating images that invite viewers to explore hidden connections.

Curiosity and Creativity

I am inherently curious. Maintaining that curiosity—especially as I age—is a lifelong fuel for my creativity. I believe that curiosity is not just for the young; it’s essential for all of us. The combination of art, education, and naturalism creates a richer experience for anyone who engages with my photollages. My tagline, “What have you seen today?” perfectly captures the essence of my work as an artist and a naturalist. It invites viewers to pause, observe, and explore the world around them.

If I could offer advice to those interested in pursuing a creative path, it would be this: Follow your passions, try everything, and don’t edit yourself too soon. What tugs at your heartstrings? What jazzes you? Sanford School’s motto, “No Talent Lies Latent,” has been a guiding principle in my life, reminding me that creativity is a journey worth taking.