Before I started working on my sculptural pieces, my focus was on painting. Because of the color vibrancy and the ability to layer and rework the slow drying medium, I mainly work with oil paints. For many years the content of my paintings was inspired by my childhood, birth place, and my roots. I grew up surrounded by cow pastures. Cows are beautiful beings and to me represent nurturing, motherhood, gentleness, and goodness. Similarly, in my seedpod series, I was exploring the connection to our roots, fertility, and growth.

In more recent paintings I took inspiration from paper collages I made and also from my sculptures. I enjoy the symbolism of the animals and objects in each piece and the stories the paintings might inspire in the viewer. For many years painting the crown was a healing and meditative process for me. A simple yet interesting shape, and for me a reminder that we can “crown ourselves” instead of waiting for others to do that for us.

For the past few years I have been taking a break from painting and have been focusing on my sculptural work. But recently, I have been looking at my empty canvases and my paints and I have been feeling a slight itch to pick up a brush again. We will see…