Being creative has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In my early years, I worked a day job that provided steady work and a paycheck, but could not nurture my creative side. I quit my job and enrolled in the fine arts program at Arizona State University. The knowledge and confidence I gained at school have helped me succeed in the arts for over four decades.
I loved working with fibers, so I pursued a career in the textile arts. I purchased a weaving loom and learned off-loom weaving as well. I designed a line of wall art that I exhibited at art shows, galleries, and commercial installations across the United States.
Realizing some yarn colors weren’t readily available, I learned the art of dyeing and developed my own. Dyes provided another element for my textile skills, leading me to work with fabrics. My journey continues to evolve with the addition of different types of fibers and dyes, including acrylic paint, which behaves like dyes.
As a teacher, I encourage creativity, engage students in different styles, and strengthen my students’ enthusiastic minds, as my art teachers guided and supported me.
Teaching Experience
2014 - 2018, Jessica Knits, Scottsdale, yarn dyeing (store is permanently closed)
2019 - 2023: Old Pueblo Knitters Guild, Tucson, presentation, yarn dyeing workshop
2023 - present: Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG Gallery), Tucson, silk painting, yarn dyeing, resist techniques on fabric, kids summer camp tie-dye, bleeding art tissue on silk
2023 - present: SaddleBrooke Ranch, silk painting, resist techniques on fabric (velvet, cut velvet), dye project bags
2024 (May 16th): Viola Jo Studio, Tubac, silk painting class
2024 (April 8th): Private group silk painting class
