We all look back at pivotal points in our lives and wonder what it would have been like to take the other path. When my ex and I were living in Santa Monica, I never imagined packing up and moving to Rhode Island, but I got VERY swept up in the ACCEPTANCE of RISD. It was the ultimate validation at the time. When I applied, I was looking at it more like practice than something that might actually happen. I had imagined staying out west, where I had always dreamed of being since I was a kid. (my first solo flight to see my uncle in Malibu was when I was 16)  I was selling my work and showing with Cannibal Flower every month. I met my dear friend Anne Carmack (the BEST thing that came out of that).

I have never taken an actual painting class. All my years of school and not one class to learn how to use oil paint, or what brushes to use or about surfaces. All of that has just been trial and error and still is. I can't help but wonder where my work would be now had I just stayed out west and kept painting. Had I known how to listen to my gut and not constantly seek validation from others. 

People do (midwesterners) have a misconception of Los Angeles as being some place that is "too expensive" to live. But from my view, it's a place where artists go to create. And to see artists that I went to school with, their homes and studios succumb to ash, heartbreaking doesn't seem to capture the feeling. I worry about the air quality of my friends and family. I can't help but think about all the art that has been lost. All the lives that have been displaced. But I can rely on Anne to remind me of all the good folks doing the good work.

But this morning I dream of that misty morning air and the smell of sage. I dream of seeing family that I haven't seen since 2006 and I remember all of those that are no longer with us. (dad, uncle fred, hooker john, big jim...who else?) Wisconsin ranks 49th in the US for state funding for arts and culture. 49th. And you can feel that. This isn't an easy place to be an artist. And it's not EASY to be an artist anywhere. And yet here I am- 16 years in Wisconsin. 25 years of hustling the art. Curious about what's around the corner, and what pivotal points lie ahead.

working in garage studio, Santa Monica, CA 2006
Mom's Cars, Acrylic on paper on panel, 2005 (36"x48")

Ham Steak , acrylic on paper on panel, 2005 (36"x48")

Camo Van, acrylic on paper on two panels, 2006 (48" x 72")

Matching Camo Van pillow 2006

Beef Steak Pillow 2005

Mini Egg and Toast Pillows 2006

Peace Pillow 2006