I've been an artist all of my life; drawing and painting as a youngster, then studying acrylic and watercolor painting, life drawing, and then digital art as a young adult. Yet, it wasn't until I moved to San Francisco in 1997 that I gave myself permission to pursue my dreams seriously. For five years I continued to work with my marketing and design business, and to get away from the computer, I painted faux finishes on walls and created backgrounds for photographers. In my studio at Hunters Point, I began experimenting with photographic processes including alternative Polaroid processes. When I discovered the use of Polaroid films as
a medium for my work, a deeper artist within me emerged. I was immediately attracted to the process
because this unique medium allowed me to explore a wide range of
creative possibilities. I was not only 'painting with light' but I was able to paint and draw right on the film. I had found a way to express myself using photography that also had a painterly quality I was looking for. I was in heaven!
For several years I explored Polaroid image transfers, emulsion transfers, and SX-70 manipulations. While in San Francisco, I also discovered the 20x24 large format Polaroid camera at Calumet operated by Tracey Storer, and soon produced a 3-day workshop for photographer, Anna Tomziak, so that I could use the camera. I spent the next year or two producing 20x24 Polaroid image transfers onto large sheets of watercolor paper. And, soon I was represented by a gallery and had a one-woman show in the city!
For nearly 10 years, I used a vintage 1972 Polaroid SX-70 camera exclusively to create imagery
I consider half photograph, half painting. I call them fauxtographs and have a website devoted to those images. I've been told that I'm a photographer with the soul of a painter. To
me, it is more important to reflect a mood or feeling than to capture
photographic detail. I often photograph old cars, bicycles, and vintage
memorabilia because I like things that have character and history, and
have a story to tell. I want my photographs to bring back memories and to
evoke emotions in the people who view them.
Now, I shoot primarily with a Canon digital SLR camera. I still look for the color and light on the subject which appeals to me, but now I don't have the limitations I encountered using the Polaroid camera. Especially in the time it took to "work" on the film. Usually I could only create about a dozen 'fauxtographs' in a day of shooting. I mostly had to photograph during days which had good natural light. Now I can capture the wonderful early morning and late evening light which thrills me. And, I take far too many shots!
Currently living in the Central Florida coastal town of Indialantic, my photography appears in many private and corporate
collections in the U. S. and is sold in galleries in California and Florida. About five years ago I became interested in licensing my images to art
publishers and manufacturers. My imagery seems best suited for wall
decor and paper goods and I enjoy bringing new photos to the industry.