This is me at my easel complete with a
few of the typical smudges I usually have while
working in pastels. My journey with pastels
began after I attended Milwaukee institute of Art
and Design where I received a BFA in
illustration.  At a time when the responsibilities
of being a new mother discouraged me from
doing anything in art, my mother persuaded me
to create something as a wedding gift for my
favorite cousin. It was at this time that my
grandmother's little box of pastels found its way
into my hands. When I opened the lid and
looked in, it was a beautiful mess of intense
colors. And when I picked up that first pastel
and hesitantly made a mark on nearby paper, I
was hooked. That first pastel I did was a life line
of sorts for me. I knew that I had finally found the
medium for me. I am self taught in pastels and
may do some things differently than other
pastelists, but I put everything I have to give in
each piece that I do.