_{Color is an integral part of my work. I find the strong intensity of the silk dyes to be a great asset when creating any subject matter, where I can use a range of tones and intensities to communicate the mood, passion, and atmosphere. I am definitely influenced by my background as a textile designer, as I look for patterns to inspire me, such as in observing water flowing and leaves on trees. My experiences, and the landscape, objects and people around me inspire my art. My hope is to capture the beauty from nature (trees, meadows, flowers, etc.) in my work. I believe that beauty can be found in the most mundane settings. The key is how you interpret your observations to transform that beauty into art.  As Edgar Degas once said “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."}