A Road Many Artists Know Well...
A toddler. A baby. Divorced. And the only family support was over 200 miles away. It was up to me to make sure my kids had food, a roof, and a positive role model. That became my rocket fuel as I climbed from stay-at-home mom to office manager, then to graphic designer, and eventually Director of Marketing. Many of us artists have followed a similar path—setting aside our creative dreams for practical reasons, only to find ourselves returning to art later in life, when we're finally ready to reclaim what we've left behind.
Impossible Choices
Long before all of that, as a student at UW-Milwaukee pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, training in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, dance, and poetry, as well as art history, I fell deeply in love with art. The moment I realized it was more than just a passion—it was a way to explore the world and myself—I knew I was hooked. After graduation, I showcased my work in a show, marking the beginning of what I thought would be a lifelong career in art. But life had other plans.
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While in college, I immersed myself in art, but the world I came from—steeped in religious doctrine, Catholic guilt, and unspoken expectations—shaped my path. While my mom balanced career and motherhood, I couldn’t imagine being an artist and doing all she did for our family. It felt impossible. I thought I could manage a conventional career and marriage, but art demanded too much of me. I didn’t believe I could handle both, so I let go of my artistic dreams and stepped into the corporate world instead.
Climbing Against the Odds
For nearly 30 years, I climbed the corporate ladder, but the higher I climbed, the worse the sexism became. As I gained more responsibility, the double standards and biases only intensified. I found myself constantly proving my worth to people who belittled my ideas, dismissed my contributions, or expected me to be grateful for opportunities that were freely handed to my male peers. I had compromised who I was to fit into corporate culture—until I couldn’t anymore.
A Return to Art
In 2019, I made a choice. I walked away from the toxic cycles that drained my soul and set out to reclaim the life I wanted. I used the financial success I had earned to invest in rebuilding myself and finding my true purpose. One afternoon, I found a box of old art supplies from college. That box reignited a spark I thought I had lost. My husband, John, who had always dreamed of seeing me paint, turned our attic into a studio just for me. It was there that I rediscovered my passion for art, free from judgment and expectation.
A Full Circle Moment
In a twist of fate, I found myself back in the Historic Third Ward, opening my own gallery in The Marshall Building—the very place where I began my corporate career 30 years ago. It felt like the universe was speaking to me, guiding me back to where I truly belonged. Standing in that space, I was overcome with emotion. It was as if I had come full circle, reclaiming the part of myself I had left behind so long ago. In that moment, I knew: I was on the right path, and everything was unfolding as it was meant to.
The Journey and the Plan
Since returning to art, I’ve created over 70 original works, primarily acrylic on canvas, and many digital works (digital works not yet available on this site). My website now offers over 435 products and counting, including limited edition prints, framed prints, original works, and fun things like: artful decor, apparel, pet gear, candles & journals, silk & satin, and of course, what artist would be complete without handbags, backpacks and totes.
As I look to the future, my goal is to grow intentionally — exploring exhibits, shows, competitions, fairs, and press at a steady pace. Life has been a whirlwind since my return to art, but I’m committed to taking things one step at a time, ensuring that joy and fulfillment remain at the core of my creative process. As a solopreneur, I’m still working to unwind the hustle culture that was ingrained in me during my corporate career. While I’ve managed to create a life that allows for more balance, the drive to laser-focus on goals is an ideal I continue to wrestle with—something my father would be proud of. I trust that everything will happen in its own time, and that balance is key to maintaining both my passion and my purpose.
“One of the most painful things in life is feeling creative and not being able to express it. Many of us start out as artists but then are shamed or sidelined by practical concerns—often abandoning our art for decades. But the artist inside of us never truly dies.”
~ Julia Cameron, Author, The Artist's Way
Today, I’m a full-time artist, creating work that reflects my journey. My art celebrates connection, belonging, and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. In a world that pressures us to conform, I want my work to inspire others to embrace who they truly are.
I invite you to explore my gallery or shop my collection online. Whether you’re searching for a unique piece of art or looking to connect through creativity, I hope my work brings meaning and joy to your life.
Welcome to my art....
I HOPE YOU FIND WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE!