As a child, do you remember the joy of opening a new box of Crayolas? I certainly do. I loved their fragrance and the way the beautiful colors vibrated, lined up row by row.  I could hardly wait to use 'Magenta' or 'Periwinkle Blue.' Perhaps those early memories influenced my decision to study art.

'Glass is my canvas. I apply high fire enamels using a variety of painting implements to create non-objective or abstracted opaque paintings. The work is fired multiple times in a kiln.

 I am a studio artist living in Tallahassee, FL.  I exhibited my paintings and drawings for many years. In a radical departure, I decided to explore glass fusing. I initially worked in traditional kiln-forming glass techniques. However, I missed painting and the expressive experience it provided.   In 2003, I discovered high fire (paint-like) glass enamels and began painting again. I enjoy the physical act of painting, and I am intrigued by the capricious nature of kiln-fired glass.

 I begin a painting by applying the paint, or enamel, using a variety of painting implements.  Sometimes I inscribe thoughts and ideas in the paint, knowing that when the work is fired, the enamels will flow and obscure the intimate nature of those words. The remaining 'glyphs' contribute to the surface design.  By combining personal imagery and mark making with a variety of surface applications, including sgraffito, sandblast etching and burnishing, I am able to achieve the expressive experience I want. To create an effective painting while firing a successful piece of glass is both the challenge and the reward!”

The last two years have been exciting. In 2005, I received one of the first Enhancement Grants from the Division of Cultural Affairs and the South Florida Cultural Consortium. In 2006, I participated in an International Juried Glass competition entitled "Ignite," where I received a 3rd place award.  One of my paintings placed 2nd in the Glass category and was published in the juried book series Best of Florida Artists. 

In 2007, I was one of 48 Florida artists who received a grant to attend 'An Artists' Retreat.'  It was sponsored by Creative Capital, (a non-profit arts organization from New York City), the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Florida Department of State, and the National Endowment for the Arts.  We were divided into two groups and I was one of the 24 artists who attended the retreat in Seaside, FL.

My work is found at Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass in Dallas, Texas. I continue to participate in juried events in regional galleries and art centers, as well as exhibitions in other cities, states, and art spaces.