My grandparents moved from Russia and the Ukraine in the early 20th century. They set up a homestead in Canada and grew wheat for market. They had three sons one of course was my father. My father and mother married and remained in Canada, where my sister and I were born. After they moved to America, my brother was born.

 
I spent most of my younger years in the little coastal town of Port Orford Oregon. Some of my art reflects visits to my child hood surroundings both in reality and in fantasy. The Columbus Day storm had a great impact on my life as a child and one of my paintings titled “The Storm” reflects the mood of that day. 

It was my enrollment in the Graphics Design Program at LCC (Lane Community College), that caused a turn of events in my life. The degree has enabled me to do freelance projects. I am currently involved in fine arts. I work on plexi-glass to create monotypes. I continue to use the print room at LCC and occasionally take a class. My diverse areas of study have shown me paths of enlightenment and enjoyment. I have taken classes in painting in oil, acrylic, and watercolor but my greatest interest is in creating art using the monotype process.

 
My involvement with a group of plein air artists has been a wonderful adventure that enables me to be with a group of friends, painting on location. I am also a member of an artist group that meets on the first Saturday of every month to encourage, critique and socialize.

 
I work part time at Karin Clarke Gallery, which is a family run business. I am grateful to be a part of that close and nurturing environment. I take care of my aging parents and spend time with some friends when I can. I have two granddaughters who are a real blessing. They live in Colorado and that distance keeps us apart too often but it makes the times we visit all the more special.

I will continue to work, paint and print as long as I can, it is what I love and it is my passion. It has become the air I breathe, the water I drink and the food I eat. My art has become a necessity for leading a full healthy fulfilled life.

“By honoring the partnership I enter into with the medium, life is allowed to present itself”