"Take Me Away"

Camping is good for my soul. Its where I get lost in the moment and nothing else phases me. I have not a care in the world. My ongoing goal is to have balance between work and life. Along with too many of you, I spend endless hours on my weekends and evenings in front of my computer working. I promised myself I would take the Thanksgiving holiday weekend off and I have done just that. I feel good. I feel whole. I feel almost as good as I do when I am in the woods.

For Sale: $35

10x10

"Simple Winter"

This morning Chad and I headed back into the city after a lovely weekend spent celebrating Thanksgiving with our family. As Chad drove home with me (and Quinoa) in the passenger seat, we wondered if it was worth keeping the window open for Quinoa. The two of us were freezing. The first thing I did when we got into the house was curled up on the couch with a nice warm blanket. Chad changed into his cycling gear and headed out the door to meet up with his buddies, who together would be doing a 30+ mile bike ride along the lake front. When I woke up from my nap, all warm and cozy, all I could think about was how cold Chad must be, which inspired this painting.
(This painting does not have a border; it is mounted on a red wall.)

For Sale: $25

11x14

"Light at the End of the Tunnel"

"Light at the End of the Tunnel" - Chad and I flew to Colorado over winter break to see our friends Ken and Sarah and do some skiing in Breckenridge. Following our exhilarating ski trip, we explored Red Rock, stopped for lunch in Boulder, etc.

Along the way, Chad and I drove through a mountain, via a tunnel, which seemed to go on forever. As we approached the end of the tunnel, naturally the first thing we saw was light. I experienced a child-like anticipation about what would be at the other end. As we got closer and closer, I could see the blue sky with puffy white clouds, the snow covered mountains and evergreens - life. The symbolic connection to the human experience struck me, thus inspiring me to create this painting which is a reminder that out of darkness comes light.

For Sale: $35 - SOLD

16x20

Long time no see!

Its been a while since I have posted any paintings. There are a couple reasons for this.

#1 - In April of 2011, Chad and I adopted our new pup, Quinoa. She requires a lot of attention:)

#2 - On September 4, 2011, Chad and I got married! A lot of my time was dedicated to the preparation of our marriage, including the bridal party gifts. As you see in the included picture, each of my bridesmaids received a painting from me as one of their gifts. Early in the engagement, I asked each of them what their favorite flower was and painted it for them.

I am hoping to get back in the game as it has been way too long. Heart health continues to be a priority of mine, therefore, I will continue raising funds for the American Heart Association by donating the money earned by selling my paintings.

Keep your eyes out!!! More paintings coming soon:)

"Balance"

"Balance" – This painting was inspired while driving home from a long, rough day on the job. I found myself in tears reflecting on the pain and suffering of one child and family I am supporting. I thought about how some say as a social worker, I need to desensitize a bit and keep work at work. I then began thinking about how this is an impossible task. I am absolutely unable to observe the suffering of another individual without empathizing with them, thus experiencing pain myself. One school of thought would suggest that in order for a social worker to remain healthy and endure a long career, that she must maintain some distance. When I volunteered for a year in Birmingham, AL at a homeless shelter through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, the philosophy was to live among and in solidarity with the poor. This philosophy is much more in alignment with my own ideology. By the end of the drive, I concluded that neither is right nor wrong, but rather I must constantly be seeking a perfect balance. The background of this painting is purple, as blend of red (energy, fire, speed, violence) and blue (tranquility, water, calm, peace). The core of the painting is a yin yang, an image representing the Chinese philosophy of balance.

For Sale: $30

10x10

"My Daddy, My Hero"

"My Daddy, My Hero" - This was created for of one of my colleagues, whose son is a fire fighter. The painting was given to her granddaughter.

For sale: $45 (sold)

16x20

"Make Lemonade"

"Make Lemonade" - Driving home, after a long day of work, I was reflecting on the lives of some of the children I work with (I am a school social worker). Knowing some of the stuggles my students deal with on a day to day basis, I am often amazed by their resiliency and how well they can function at school. The old adage "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" came to mind. This way of thinking and living our lives not only leads to a more satisfying life, but I am learning it is also a survival strategy.
Notice the handle of the lemonade pitcher wraps around to the right side of the canvas!

For sale: $35 (sold)

11x14