I just recently 'found' painting...in my late 30's. It was more than just being introduced to paint. I actually experienced a "brain shift" that aroused my interest and continues to seduce me in. They call this a 'self-taught' artist...but is it really self-taught when you bring in a lifetime of sight and memories and inspiration? I have learned that art comes from within, and creativity is not something learned.
There is a spiritual essence to the process [of making art] and fulfillment in its'experience. There a dialogue between my brush in hand , the paint and the canvas surface. It's a dance that never seems to end; it only stops once in a while to take another breathe. I use a variety of mixed media in my work, usually layering with acrylic, collage, and often ending with the juiciness of oil paint. From an over 23 year career as a massage therapist, the human form is most familiar to me, therefore, figurative representation is typically found in my work. I am a story teller....painting only for me....but occasionally, finding the courage to share it with others. It's a life-long struggle of releasing pieces of my soul, falling without a safety net, touching ground, then risking the leap again! Lately, I have been working on a series using my fingers as brushes....I guess you could say I have a'knead' to massage the figures into the canvas---is it a little toxic?...maybe. Is it a fun?...you bet!