The Path –
I paint to heal
I paint in celebration
I paint with love - honoring honesty, service, courage and compassion. These are gifts that have been given to me and I wholeheartedly share them with you.
Many years ago, I studied art history to fulfill my subject requirements in college. I was interested and initially majored in archeology and anthropology giving me a background in ancient civilizations and a variety of cultures. At some point, I decided that I didn’t want to spend a number of years in college pursuing a doctorate degree. Funny, I ended up probably spending the same amount of time exploring a variety of subjects at school, in particular Women Studies and Art. Over the years, my college enrollment (or lack of) reflected the circumstances in my life – Young adult, Army wife, Single mother, Powerless Wife, Single Mother, Happily married wife and mother of 4 great kids and always an Artist and Animal Lover.
Over the past few years, I worked at a local pet crematorium which allowed me to participate and provide compassionate aftercare for animals and support for their human companions. I feel very blessed and honored to have been able to provide aftercare for the animals – large and small, wild and domestic – physically and soulfully. I am honored to be a witness to the great bond and unconditional love between two souls. Ordinary human beings touched by a soul wrapped in an animal fur body.
I have been very blessed to hear the many “miracle” stories of meetings and the “meaningful coincidences” or synchronicities at play between human beings and their companion animals both in life and after death. The touch of a soul whose physical body has transitioned but whose everlasting love is shared and expressed through these “little miracles”. These synchronicities happen all the time. One just needs to be receptive – open your heart and receive these gifts. The gifts may be in the form of a feather, an unexpected visit from a butterfly or dragonfly, a hummingbird hovering outside your window, lyrics to a song, a photo in a frame that falls off your shelf, the headline in a newspaper – the methods of communication are infinite just like a soul mate’s love.
I have experienced loss in my personal life. My 41 year old father passed after a lengthy battle with cancer when I was 17 years old. Fortunately he shared his experiences and feelings as he faced his death. He knew of the indescribable love and beauty that awaited him with the transition of his spirit and physical body. It was so difficult for me, being so connected to the physical aspect, to wait in anticipation of his passing as his physical body really began to deteriorate and finally terminated.
It is hard for those left behind after a love one’s passing; However, I have full faith in the soul connection and continuation of energy and spirit, whether in a human form or an animal body. I feel through my own personal loss, as well as, working with the animals at the Pet Crematory, those souls have left an imprint on my heart and in my art. I paint intuitively. I spend a lot of time in meditation connecting with the animals and subjects that I paint. I spend most of the time concentrating on painting the space surrounding and in between the subject(s). This is where the “little miracles” and the soul/spirits I paint come through on my canvas. I believe the animals that I have been privileged to provide aftercare for – come through in my art. Sometimes I step back to take a look – and smile – because there before me is a familiar face or presence. So I say “hello” and smile. How lucky am I? I feel very blessed.
I paint to heal.
I painted as I experienced the loss of marriage and family through divorce. As I painted, I healed as I recovered my personal power and discovered my strength as a woman. What I paint is truth and honesty. I connect physically, emotionally and spiritually.
 After 12 years together, I lost my soul mate Chessy in August 2006. Wrapped in a beautiful Chestnut Equine body, she was my “rock”. The physical loss has been devastating. I was “blessed” with three weeks of her companionship prior to her planned euthanasia. During this time, I experienced anguish and joy. I prayed to be released from the guilt I was experiencing over my decision. I prayed for a peaceful passing. I prayed for her understanding and continual love. Most of all I prayed for strength – to be there for her as she transitioned over – she was there for me ALWAYS. Her passing was peaceful and I caught her last breath in my hands. I am so grateful. She continues to be here for me as my angel and my guide. She continues to teach me the lessons of the heart – compassion and kindness. She is my Muse. I love her completely and I carry her in my heart.
I painted as I prepared for her passing and as an outlet for my grief. I discovered truth and honesty in my paintings – not always liking what I saw but at the same time realizing that grief isn’t all that pretty. I continued to paint more, and then came the angels and the animal spirits. My Chessy girl is in very good company. I am comforted with that knowledge.
I continue to grow as I lost another soul mate, my beloved dog,  Domino.
I knew the news about the tumor on his leg was bad. It was devastating news; the tumor would limit his physical life from one week to six months. Not six months since Chessy’s passing, my first thought was that I am not ready. I am not sure that I can handle this again and so soon. Domino and I shared three weeks of sunsets. He let me know that it was his time and he was ready to go. He passed at home and in my arms.
How blessed am I – I have two angels watching over me.
Animals provide great insight. They emotionally shower us with unconditional love. Physically they provide companionship. Spiritually they teach us to be better human beings and remind us to “live in the moment”.
I paint with love and gratitude.
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