Children's books are a delight; they are also a rich source of art, often a child's first exposure to this valuable cultural expression; as such they can be an effective means of conveying important ideas, as well as a beautiful way to tickle imagination, with the best finding their way into adult collections; there is in fact a growing appreciation for this class of art, with an increasing demand for the original illustrations.

   Imagination has become  a fragile treasure, one which I sometimes think is under threat of extinction!  But it starts with imagination to come up with new and improved ideas for solving dilemmas and difficulties; or simply new ways of looking at things; it is a foundation to improving the quality of life!

Dolls...
   From one inch to over-life size, dolls and puppets appeal to one's playful, child-side.  Historically, dolls were invested with religious or magical significance; they continue to hold a fascination for adults as well as children, as embodiments of the human form.  Very small dolls suggest intimacy, and a fascination for the miniature. The very large, or over life-sized, are  an emphatic vehicle of an idea, or an expression of delight in oddity; a huge doll hanging out in my yard is a funny sight!  Humor is an important tool for surviving in this world.

   Some of my dolls are paper cut-outs with clothing; they are, of course, unconventional in appearance; they can be of older women, not skinny, not white, not "perfect"; I grow bored with images of only white, young, skinny, "perfect" women.

Masks...
...are an adventure into theatrics.  They can provide anonymity for presenting an idea unassociated with the wearer's known personality.  Hidden behind a mask, one feels more freedom to unveil a secret aspect of oneself: perhaps to explore serious issues, or simply to uninhibitedly jump or dance around!

Other...
   The work demanding more from the viewer than the simply whimsical reflects an interest in challenging conventional beliefs, and offering alternative perspectives.  I have had some difficult life experiences; knowing how important it is to feel other people's extending hands of caring awareness, I want to be a part of providing some hopefulness to those who also have had or are having a difficult time in this often maddening world.

   Being alive means being curious about life, with the hope of understanding at least some of it.  This planet, with its myriad ways of living on it, and looking at it, holds extraordinary diversity; holding on to beliefs, without questioning, keeps one from from appreciating that diversity.  I do not have a particular faith, but I do have lots of questions.  And that for me is an interesting way to be human.

"Three Ages"
   A tribute to all phases of life, not just youth.

"Birthmark - Power Tattoo"
   I have a large birthmark, making me a physically different person.  Some people's reactions clearly throw me into the category of "freak", a painful placement that affects what I choose to wear, where I go and what I do.  Such a physical difference would have destined me for the gas chamber, along with Jews, blacks and gay people.  We still have a long way to go.
I met a woman with one gracing her face; she told me that there are, or were, a few cultures in which such a mark is considered to be imbued with positive significance.  This painting is for her, and for me, as we cope with this world that discriminates us for our surfaces.

"Mastectomy Barbara"
   An image created for a public gallery exhibit entitled: Breaking Through the Stereotype, in which I imagine other versions of Barbie, more closely resembling real life.

"Vasalisa Receiving Fire From Baba Yaga"
   A commissioned painting, drawing on a folk tale.  Conventional telling has Baba Yaga cast as an evil, people-eating witch.  A more probable earlier meaning views Baba Yaga as the embodiment of the wise voice within that "knows better" what we need to do for ourselves (the bones around Baba Yaga's house are not refuse of her meals: they are a metaphor for her connection to collective ancestral wisdom).  She isn't necessarily an attractive, congenial personality; she functions as that part of one's conscience that speaks the truth, whether we like it or not, and tells us what we must do about it for the well-being of one's soul.  Folk tales frequently have symbolic, didactic purposes; I believe this tale is to encourage strength and growth.