In 2001 my graphic design and illustration company contracted with a developer to build and direct an art center outside of St. Louis Missouri. I had 175 exhibiting artists. It was a wonderful place for inspiration and for learning and I learned something from every one of them! I took every class offered and had so much fun learning new things.
It was not an easy job though. Not only was it a 7 day a week 12 hour a day task, but I was surrounded by such creativity without the opportunity (except for the classes) to create anything myself because of the time involved running the operation.
It closed down due to some kind of legal dispute with the building, so I decided to sell my company and start on my own creative journey, bringing with me all I had learned both from my graphic/illustrator career and what I'd learned from the other artists.
I had been cutting and polishing my own stones since the age of 8 and decided to pick that back up and add to it with all types of metal work. Since I love to experiment, added fused glass (classes I took at the art center). Then I learned scrimshaw which incorporated my own illustration skills.
One of my mottoes: "You're never too old to have a happy childhood" says it all. I love to "play" with mediums and combining them in unusual ways. It's a exploration. It's a quest. I want to play with all the toys!
The journey continues. I continue to add things to my pallet. Hopefully my work improves along the way.