Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
I am a 47-year-old, self-taught artist with a disability. I was born with spina bifida and also have a below the knee amputation.

I have 2 adult children that I raised alone from the time they were 10 and 6. Until recently, when I developed some health problems, I worked in Human Resources.

Once I could no longer work full time, I had to rethink and reinvent myself. My mother had given me my father's art supplies, mostly pastels and books, after he passed away.

I taught myself how to paint and I haven't looked back since. I love what I do. It has been difficult financially but I am enjoying every minute of it.

Artist's Statement:
I want to convey an emotion, an idea through my work. I feel paintings are my voice without words. I think everyone has a story to tell. I like to tell mine through my painting. It fulfills me like nothing else.

A friend recently commented that my paintings are depressing. I don't agree. I think they are dramatic. I especially like how the light comes out of the dark shadows. I hope people get as much joy from my work as I get from painting the pieces.