I moved to Greece in late 1990 and knew no one and, more importantly, no one knew me. What is identity when no one knows your history? I felt I had lost all of what made me me. For example, no one knew my professional history so they could not be impressed by me and my accomplishments. It was a shock and got me thinking about what makes a person who they are.

What exactly does make you who you are? Is it your name, you job, you family, your education, your accomplishments, what it says on your business card? It is a question that is not easily answered, but I believe it is important to consider what we mean when we say, “I am (insert profession, role, or talent in this space.)”

I like to work in acrylics in vibrant colors because acrylics match my need to make an instant impact. I particularly like the bold strokes and energy of les Fauves. I appreciate the effect of using brushes, mark making tools and palette knives because they allow unusual and dramatic effects that help me to create the energy I want to convey in my work.

I am currently working on series of three very large paintings (72” X 48”) that address the issue of identity and creation of meaning following a significant life event such as retiring, being divorced or being widowed.  How do we create meaning for ourselves and our life when our previous identities as executive, wife or mother are no longer primary or even available to us? I am calling this series, Exploration of Identity/Life After Life.

To me, art is visual and mental. It attracts us (or sometimes repels us) and makes us think.