We go through life at such a fast pace, not even noticing that there are glimpses of God all around us; in the people we meet, a gesture, nature or maybe even the person next to us. I create images of those moments to remind myself of the beauty, the quiet and the wisdom that exists if I will only stop to relish it. It is not the image we see before us in the mirror, but rather the sum of our history that makes us who we really are. In my paintings, I add many layers of paint, wax and sometimes collage creating a lot of texture, then scraping back and drawing on top of the image. The final result is not beautiful in spite of the marks and scratches, but because of them…just like us.Since 2007, I have been intentional about my study of art. As my husband and I have raised 4 children, experiencing the elation of a birth, the excitement of 3 adoptions and the anguish of multiple illnesses, I have found joy and peace through creation. It is a privilege and honor to connect with others through my art. There is a meeting of the minds and souls when you share the love of an image and its meaning. I am touched each time this happens and appreciate the opportunity to continue creating.