I love figures and faces and I find comfort and satisfaction in creating them.  My dolls are birthed through a desire to connect with people I love and with my ancestors.  Some dolls embody my search for answers to situations in my life that I find humorous or puzzling.  Whatever the reason, they always take on a life of their own and remind me to not take myself too seriously.  Dolls have been an inspiration and joy to my life and they touch and heal in many ways.  I enjoy sharing them with others and sending them out into the world.  I utilize painted textiles, sculpting, knitting, felting and found objects. 

Creating has been a part of my life since childhood.  Like most small children I was drawn to nature and I had a keen sense of wonder and curiosity that could transform the mundane into something magical.  My Polish grandmother was an important and defining part of my childhood. As an adult I have come to cherish and honor my European roots and the figures I create embody the “babushka” women of Eastern Europe and peasant women of all cultures.  “Babushka” means grandmother or old woman.

Bio

Like other artists I dabble in many mediums but am especially drawn to clay and figures, also painted textiles and found objects.  The concept of recycling and giving new life to thrift store finds is very satisfying and enjoyable.  I have taken many classes at Northern Clay Center, explored mosaics, folk art painting and even floristry design.  Folk cultures of the world inspire me with their use of bright pure color and simple but strong designs and motifs that embody the inner spirit of each living thing.

Interning at Northern Clay Center Summer Clay camps and teaching community ed to children has helped me to grow as an artist and teacher; Visiting artist for the WELS South program and group homes for disabled adults, is an amazing experience.  The love and passion of these students in the face of disabilities has been beyond inspiring.

My work has been shown at Bloomington Arts Center, East Side Arts Council in St. Paul, Textile Center of Minnesota, Color Wheel, Mill District Arts, Rogue Buddha, and Artrujillo Galleries in Minneapolis; University of MN, OOP Gallery, in Rhode Island.  I have been a member of the Textile Center, Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota, Northern Clay Center, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Women Create! and Women’s Caucus for the Arts.

approx 12” high;

fabric, felting and a lot of love

















They flit, they fly from rose to rose. Stopping just long enough to take an ever       so small sniff.

And then flit on…

Oh!  They are mistresses, connoisseurs of flower fragrances,
and know them all from the sublime to the outrageously awful!
Smells and fragrances, Oh! don’t get them started –
do we have all day to EXPOUND?

They are fragile little wisps of spirit.
Playful, luminous, iridescently light and petal soft.

A rosebud of possibilities.  Ready to blossom and take flight.