my mountains...

artist...

the definition of a folk artist is somebody who is self taught, no art schooling, nor college, just somebody figuring it out and making their art.  there are many in the world, and i believe if one makes what they love then they will be successful.  it doesn't take an education, it doesn't take a lot of money, it just takes you, and you making it happen.

i began my journey into art when my friends and family taught me how to make quilts...the patterns intrigued me, i loved the geometric designs and the peacefulness quilting brought to me.  i had never sewn before, i was 35. 

i came across a 'how to' article in a craft magazine about game boards.  i was intrigued immediately for the designs were like small quilts.  i had never painted, other than walls, and didn't know a thing about woodwork, but thought i would give it a go.  so i gathered the things that i needed.  and that was the beginning...

after i made several i decided to take them to local stores to see if they thought they could sell them.  some said yes, and others said no, they were so kind and sent me to a store that they thought might use them.  so now i was finding myself in a full fledged business.  i invested $25 to type letters and send a picture of one of my game boards to stores names that i found in the back of country living magazine.  i had my heart set on being in one store...and if i made it there then i new i could make it anywhere....and i did....soon i was making many many boards...soon i was becoming known for my work.

i read an article about great small towns in america...and came across where i am today...with a pre-teenage son and 5 cats in my little car we headed from the city to where we are today.  the appalachians feel like home, they embrace you, protect you and show you the hardships of the earth and the beauty of the world.  they move at a much slower pace, you learn to slow it down and not take life so seriously.  the people are honest have integrity and will help their neighbors.  most are gifted with music or arts; it's not uncommon to walk in the small downtown area and hear a guitar, banjo or someone singing.  carvers, potters, painters, photographers and musicians abound.

many people have come through my life...leaving something valuable to my process of game boards...the introduction of power tools was a mighty one, finishing techniques, having my own business...and these people are entwined in the pieces that i make today, for if it weren't for them i wouldn't have been able to gather the knowledge that i have and use now.

i've been very fortunate to have the press help me....for a starving artist is truly just that until they are 'discovered' so to speak.  and i am forever grateful to these people.... country living, countless times, and for making me the 29th guild member, a prestigious honor to those keeping american crafts alive, southern living, home, numerous small publications throughout the u.s.  sundance catalog for many many years of putting a roof over my head and the stores that have stood by me for countless years and their patience in my learning.  and of course to the people who fell in love with my work and collect my pieces.

13 years later i am married with another wonderful son, living in paradise.  i truly have a wonderful life and if i were to choose my life, have had a plan or a wish, and that plan or wish were fulfilled, it'd be exactly where i am today. funny how that happens...