I am an artist, working with fiber. My artistic journey began as a traditional quiltmaker over 25 years ago, and I enjoyed developing the technical skills required to produce quality work. Discovering art quilts changed everything. I found a freedom of expression that was not always allowed by the quilt police, who looked for sharp points and square corners. With art quilts, it was perfectly acceptable to color outside the lines. My work has been described as “painterly”, with landscapes appearing often. I am drawn to scenes and objects that speak of history. I think I’m trying to preserve my past growing up in the rural South. If it’s rusty, ramshackle, or overgrown, it draws me in. My working life included real estate sales and mortgage banking which was fast-paced and stressful. I enjoyed the challenges and the sense of helping people realize their dreams of home ownership, but it wasn’t until I left that life for a much slower pace that I discovered the joy of creating art. I am a registered introvert and especially enjoy time alone in my studio working with the wonderful textures and colors in my fabric stash. I also like to experiment with surface design and hand dyeing to create truly unique pieces. Hand stitching takes me back to my childhood when my Mom taught me embroidery. Beading and other embellishments add fun touches. When I’m in the zone, all sense of time disappears. It’s the same feeling you get when you swing a bat or a golf club and hit that perfect sweet spot and you don’t even feel the impact of striking the ball. Throughout my life I never saw myself as artistic and when I began sewing I never related that skill to being able to create art. I am extremely grateful to have discovered this means of expressing myself.