I never attended a posh art academy. I taught myself the intricacies of transforming a blank canvas into an oil painting.
I began artistic endeavors at a young age. My dear mother noticed my talent when I was 3 years old.
My family had little money and my mother, who worked at 'Edwards', a department store in Rochester, NY, brought home shirt packaging cardboard for me to use as canvas.
She encouraged me. She was my dearest fan, she gave up lunch money to buy me a pencil at Sullivan's on South Avenue in Rochester, NY. I loved her. She was a big part of my art life. |
And the art became a major part of my life. Using oil paints, rolled up pieces of paper towels and my fingers, I created paintings.
My subjects are not the lush landscapes of the region nor are they bold and abstract works.
My work mostly has to do with people. I was born to make people. Some artists are wonderful with landscapes and modernistic work. I'm a people person.
A couple years ago, taking part in a Cooperstown art show, I was "discovered" by a calendar company and provided art for its 2007 calendars. I had a contract that covered several years to create more art for calendars. |
I don't participate in as many art shows as I once did – like the Canandaigua's Waterfront Art Festival.
But, in addition to the Canandaigua downtown show, I'm usually a 'regular' at the Clothesline Festival at Rochester's Memorial Art Gallery. Come September, I will try to return to that gathering.
I have had a long life as an artist – I love to be older, I am 72 years old now and appreciate my long journey. Some of the worst hardships are behind me.
Now I am continuing my fight against ovarian cancer. I want to live a few more years to paint and to give the world more of my art that has always warmed your heart.
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