Artist Statement

   

To create a collage is to give voice to the most connected part of me; the part that knows my next higher step, in spite of what my mind says to the contrary.  Though each piece has personal meaning, the images magically come together to form Jungian archetypes conveying a universal message of trust in a higher power.  Therefore, my stories translate well, becoming the story of the viewer.

Every work begins with a single magazine or book image that compels me to explore it, to search for the meaning behind why it is drawing me in.  Then I review other pieces, selecting those that seem to be attracted to the first one, like a magnet, until I have hundreds of pieces floating around the central one.  Deciding which stay in the final composition is as spiritual a process as choosing the first image that initiates the creating.  As I manipulate all the individual elements - adding, subtracting, nudging, flipping, and coloring - I sense a physical tug, a warmth in my heart, when it becomes clear that an image is "meant" to be part of the final work. 

Due to the complexity of the pieces, this process can continue for up to two years, until every image in the collage gives ma a feeling of peace, harmony, and delight.  Thus, each completed collage has a unique gestation period, in perfect timing with the lessons it is revealing for the next steps on my journey, and the journey of those drawn into the story.