A Forager's Art: From Classroom to Creation

For 41 years, art education fueled my life. As Sanford School's Art Department Chair, I thrived on a diverse tapestry of techniques, media, inspiration, energy, ideas, innovations, and opportunities to problem-solve. This rich experience continues to nurture my artistic journey in retirement.

Grant-funded travel and intensive summer art programs were my ongoing education. At Penland School of Crafts, I discovered the “flow” that comes with papermaking, transforming simple plant fibers into unique, textured creations. Inspired by generations of quilters in my family, I stitched these papers into "paper quilts." Haystack Mountain School further broadened my horizons, weaving natural fibers into baskets, sculptures, and even hats.

Now, with time unbound, my passion for foraging has blossomed into new art forms. Floral arrangements, whimsical wreaths, and mixed-media assemblages – all crafted with found and foraged materials – fill my days. Leaves in various stages, twigs, pods, seeds, stones, shells, and nature's other treasures guide my art. peaceful walks through the Arden woods, meandering while traveling, and the generous sharing of friends who allow to me to gather from their yards and gardens provide the bounty for my creations. It's a beautiful marriage of my childhood joy in "making things from nature" and the thrill of finding something for free.

The creative process begins with selecting from my vast collection of found materials and papers. Designs evolve organically, often revealing their deeper meaning during or after their creation. True to my diverse artistic background, I continue to explore possibilities, foraging, finding, and fabricating is my niche in the art world. While my other creative endeavor, illustrated journaling, holds another story for another time, this chapter celebrates the transformation from educator to artist, fueled by the boundless gifts of nature.