Nature's
Art Studio
Growing up in Michigan I learned the importance of gathering nature's gifts before the
cold winter set in. During the long winters I found creative uses for the treasures I
collected from the woods, meadows and gardens. I took every art class offered in my
small town high school and also at Grand Valley State College in Allendale, Michigan.
I learned how to do bead work, weave baskets, press flowers and create gourd art on my
own through books. I became interested in photography through the influence of my          
                       father. My dad and I spent many hours in our basement darkroom         
                       developing pictures the old fashioned way. In 1978 Old Man Winter sent
                       me south to Texas where I spent 20 years delivering mail for the United   
                       States Postal Service. On my route I admired the great outdoors which     
                       included many treasures I had never seen up North. In the evenings I      
                       taught basket weaving classes out of my home and at Texas A & M
University (home of the Aggies). My baskets, gourds and pressed flower/botanical
pictures have been sold at several art shows & galleries. Now that I have a store, my art
can be seen & bought there & on this site.
about the artist
I have always admired the great diversity and detail of nature. Through my art I have
attempted to preserve its beauty and uniqueness. Creating art with pressed plant
materials has been a serious "hobby" of mine since I was a teen.
I think I could work with them 24 hours a day if I didn't have
to stop for food and sleep! In addition to pressed plants, photo-
graphy and gourds are my other passions. I grow several types
of gourds in my Texas garden. While they are growing I study
them and if I look and listen long enough, they speak to me &
I begin to picture what they are meant to be. Most of my gourd
work is inspired by nature itself & Native American art. I like
to embellish them & finish them off with a touch of weaving,
coiling or beadwork. I feel very fortunate to be able to create
unique pieces of art using such beautiful and versatile materials