Born in New Jersey, I have that East Coast
drive that I’ve never quite tempered. I have had
a full, relatively normal life – good student,
college graduate, wife, mother and professional.
Rising up the corporate ladder, I earned a
reputation as a ‘fixer’, significantly improving the
performance of each functional area under my
responsibility.
A turning point in my life came in 2003/4. Disillusioned and frustrated with corporate politics, and disappointed in who I had become, I was given the gift of being downsized out of my job. In the months and years that followed, I took a hard look at my life and resolved to reinvent myself.
The discovery of an intuitive artistic ability came as quite a surprise to me, and it has provided the foundation I needed for personal transformation. I found that tapping into the creative flow opened my life up in many unexpected ways. It led me down paths of forgiveness of self and others, and brought me to mirrors that starkly reflected back aspects of me that needed to be faced, owned and released. It has taken me to deep, silent pools where I glimpse potentials within me that I never could have imagined. It enabled me to discover the healer, the teacher and the coach within.
Each piece of art that I create is infused with an inherent invitation for all who view it to experience deep, profound healing, transformation and gentle awakening to life’s infinite possibilities. I offer workshops to help fellow seekers experience similar personal alchemy through their own creative expression.
I honor my partnership with Spirit during the creative process with my artistic signature, the symbol shown to the left. It was shown to me in my mind’s eye, and translates as “Ah-nee-Ka”, meaning ‘Beloved Daughter of Ra/God’.
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Over the past year I have been inspired by the world view of the Waitaha, the original people of New Zealand (or Aotearoa), through the writings of Barry Brailsford. His books eloquently take the reader into the long ago world of the Waitaha, sharing the journey of that Nation and teaching their wisdom for living in harmony with the earth and each other, of living the way of Peace.
"Speak only of kindness and the loving hand.
One word may hold the key and one thought the healing.
Wisdom is born of the inner sense,
of the silence and the music nurtured there."
(from 'Song of the Circle' by Barry Brailsford)
It is my hope and desire that the work that I do, whether it is paintings, sculptures, writings, healing or teaching, fosters this philosophy of peace and harmony, both within ourselves and throughout the world and the cosmos.
Interestingly, I have discovered that some of my artwork seems to represent aspects of Waitaha mythology and beliefs. For example, shortly after I completed a painting titled 'Life in Balance' I read a passage in the book 'Song of the Old Tides' about their creation story, and realized that the painting symbolized this story. I have included excerpts from this book on the webpage pertaining to this painting... and also many other excerpts from his various books throughout my website. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.
I believe that we have the power to re-establish Eden, to bring the Earth back into balance and wholeness by bringing ourselves into these same states. I believe that the path to wholeness lies with healing our relationships - with ourselves, our families, those we interact with on a daily basis, and with the earth.
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"We lurch toward the ultimate disaster.
Some say fire will begin it.
Then disease will grow to become
a weeping reflection of the Darkness.
The mountains will convulse, erupt and burn.
Floods will follow to sweep away the remains
of the nations.
All this is written
but nothing is beyond the power of change.
We must heal ourselves and heal the planet.
We have the means to restore the balance
and deny {chaos} the domination he yearns to impose.
Love is the key."
(from 'Song of the Whale' by Barry Brailsford)
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This website is intended for people who know me as an artist and are interested in my art or classes. For those of you interested in knowing more about the planetary healing work I am newly embarking on, please visit my other website www.EartHeArtHealing.com (Earth-, Heart-, Art- Healing).
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My Artist Statement
Release all preconceptions of what is to come.
Empty the mind of its busy chatter.
Go deep within, to that place of stillness, and wait.
When inspiration comes, the body responds.
Strong, bold strokes of luminous color awaken the canvas,
textures and patterns make it dance.
I stand as both observer and participant
as the painting emerges,
curious what will come next
and how it will look when finished.
Creative energies flow without censure
through my hands.
I live as I paint.
Letting go what I think I know
allowing my heart to guide me through illogical choices,
discovering again and again
outcomes that are more beautiful, surprising and perfect
than I ever could have imagined with my mind’s eye.
Each day and each painting is a fun adventure into the unknown, where delightful surprises wait to be discovered.
I am fascinated with art’s ability to heal, to calm,
to awaken latent talents and spark new insights.
Allowing the creativity within to emerge unbridled
is an act of self-love
and courage
to step into a larger, more fulfilling life.
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