I have alway loved nature. As a young adult, I started taking photos of nature amongst other things. I went on to earn an Associates degree in Photography from the College of Dupage, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Then went on to Columbia College in Chicago and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. While attending Columbia, I took some classes at the Chicago Book and Paper Center, which is affiliated with Columbia. I was very drawn to Japanese Papermaking and it soon became an addition! I also took some Printmaking classes and was introduced to Botanical Printing by a friend and fellow printmaker. Another addiction was soon born. I have been teaching workshops in Papermaking and Botanical Printing since 1999. I have always been inspired by my students. Mixed Media is a great way to incorporate all the things that I love creatively: photography, botanical printing, painting and the paper arts. Lately, I have been working in Oil and Cold Wax, which is oil paint mixed with a bee's wax medium. I love the viscosity that the wax lends to the paint. It's fluidity allows the painter to create texture and dimension. This medium can also be incorporated with papers and other organic objects. The pieces that are shown on my site are works from my Master of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinios. My thesis was mainly done in this medium. There are endless possibilities for creativity with all these art forms. It is exciting to be involved in something that continues to present new avenues for experimentation and learning!