“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
“WRAP #3”
Donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters 60th Gala from my Acrylic on Copper Series “WRAP, WALK & WOW”
Just like Anne Lamott’s three prayers, “Help. Thanks. Wow.” In Kyoto, my daughter and I were encouraged to experience the formal Kimono dressing. I thought, “This will be fun!” Picking the fabrics, sashing and hair bobbles was fun. But, as each of the 7 layers of silk cinched around my curves, my light started to dim. It was hot and it was hard to breath. I was not even in the dressing room for 45 minutes before I had a slight panic. Will I make it 4 hours? Walking around Kyoto, visiting the temples, while wearing wooden shoes on cobblestoned streets was challenging. Each local I passed gave me the thumbs up of encouragement. The minutes passing like hours, I felt deeper respect for every woman in Japan. The state of grace and zen like calmness the mind and body needs to wear such a harsh wrapping was mind bending. The WRAPPING of the silk layers, the WALKING on cobbles stones and then, WOW, the absolute freedom of the Kimono coming off. It was a spiritual experience.
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper
“Circulation Prayer”
Donated to Saint John’s Party for Change 2024
I painted the circular madness. The worry of a cycle I felt I couldn’t get my family out of. I prayed. And we were slowly given several small breaks. So, when the lights are out on a dark night and you pray for the ones you love, it is that surrender to God that shines in the night that keeps you calm in the chaos of daylight. Turn the lights off. This painting glows “LOVE” in the dark. Love is the most simple and profound gift of all.
48in x 62in Mixed Media on Paper
“Soul Focus”
Donated to Crocker Art Museum Big Names Small Art
Noise. That is what most of the modern world can feel like. Taking me away from myself and tipping me off balance. When my focus is internal growth, giving attention to my family, my art and adventures on the water everything else can fall away. 9in x 12in Watercolor on Paper • Donated May of 2024
“Sacramento River”
Donated to Breakthrough Sacramento April 2024
“Sacramento River” starting bid $1575
30in x 22in Watercolor on Paper framed
"CAPTAIN’S LOG - “Rusty”
Donated to Jesuit High School Auction March 2024
16in x 20in Acrylic in Canvas
“Fascinating Friend”
Donated to Saint Francis HS Auction March 2024
“Where did you come from and how did we get so lucky? It all started with a shaky climb, a longing for connection, and a small branch extending me to you. We know how gravity is working against us. We respect its rules. The curiosity and fun between us will never fade with the colorful memories we have stitched together over time. Each year different from the next. Your light shines in my heart as I go about my days. My life always more colorful because you are in it.”
2023 - 16in x 12in Watercolor on Paper
Full amount of final bid will go to St. Francis HS.
Artist will donate 1/2 of her own money of the final bid amount to The Bear League. Funding group education about bear and human safety in the Tahoe Basin.
“Let The Good Times Roll”
Donated to Sierra Oaks K-8 Auction Feb. 2024
Itching for Summer plans as the last of the Winter storms swing through California. My garden is starting to bloom and the energy in our house is hopeful for warm weather and fun in the sun. Ready to fire up the boat and head out on the water or jump ahead in that TSA Pre line. Anticipation of the fun is almost as good as the party on the other side.
24in x 20in • Oil on Recycled Canvas
“18”
Donated to St. Mary Parish School Auction Feb 2024
The magic of Pebble Beach is undeniable. This beautiful cypress has seen the most powerful men in the world buckle from pressure or cry tears of joy. And will be witness to the mist and seabirds long after their last games are played.
Watercolor on Paper 12in x 9in • Framed $425
“Tahoe Buoy”
Donated to OLA School Auction October 2023
“I am happiest floating in Lake Tahoe with the buoys, fish and mysteries below me.”
22in x 30in Watercolor on Paper • $1400 Starting Bid
“The Light to Guide Me”
Donated to The Crocker Art Museum BNSA Auction 2023
So, now, who AM I related to? I went from three half sisters and a full brother to ZERO full siblings and possibly two half brothers and a half sister. It feels like muddy quicksand pulling me under. I dive deep into my mom’s side of the family. I ask as many questions as I can when my Gram is lucid about her family in Alameda. I want to hear all the stories that I have listened to before. I call my cousin Jane who understands the Ancestry website. I visit my Gram as much as I can. I feel like I am holding on to her like a life raft as all the murky waters of this news flood in. She seems to be the only light to guide me as she is dimming. 12in x 12in Oil on Canvas
“Broken Rocking Chair”
Donated to Planned Parenthood Auction 2022
Very often I spin and spin in worry. Will my kids come home from school safe? Will my husband make it through another night? These feelings started to make me sick. Then, of all places, I heard some announcer on ESPN say, “Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.” And, just like that, I decided to break that damn rocking chair. I can find much better things to do with my time. 36”x24” Oil on Canvas
“Play is Good for the Spirit”
Donated to Sierra Oaks K-8 School Auction 2022
I love a day everything gets cancelled. And that day turns into a fun day with zero expectations. Life becomes light. My wife-ing, mothering and general spirit are light. It seems shocking that a blank day on the calendar can give me this much joy? Seems like planning more of these play days would be good for the spirit. 10in x 14in Watercolor on Paper •
“Maybe Next Year”
Donated to Crocker Art Museum BNSA 2022
New York Botanical Gardens have these lily pads with vibrant green floating flowers. Usually I visit my oldest and dearest friend for Fall in New York City. We bounce from the latest restaurant I have never heard of to fancy openings I would never get into without her. Enjoying shops that smell like flowers or musk or baking. I make her do something tourist related and art related. Then we cozy up with her kiddos to do it all over again the next day. But, this year we are just staying afloat. No visit. Keeping our families safe is our only goal. And maybe next year we can bounce around without the threat of darkness just below. 9in x 12in Watercolor on Paper - $450 Gallery Price
“Divine Network”
Donated to Saint John’s Program for Real Change 2021
If I have learned anything from the past two years, it would be that we are all connected to each other. Souls forming an expanding netting of lineage filled with failures and successes. The divine network.
Saint John’s Program for Real Change reminds me of my responsibility to those within reach and beyond. Our divine network is a precious system that can rip and tear if not constantly adding and repairing the most vulnerable parts. The women who rise out of the deep darkness become some of the strongest parts of this golden net. They widen and strengthen the casting for the next generation to come up for air and begin to breathe again.
“Drip Drop”
Donated to Crocker Art Museum BNSA 2021
No breaks with my family all year, I upped my meditation. This slowed my reaction time. The snap. It almost pads my space time continuum with a dumb dumb buffer zone. That slight moment right before I could have said something cutting, I feel the ability to pause for just a second and redirect. And maybe that ripple won’t hit me in the ass next week or next lifetime. 9”x12” Watercolor on Paper - $450 Gallery Price
“Look for the Helpers”
Donated to Jesuit High School Auction 2021.
The media is pretty negative. It would have us believe the world is terrible and we should lock ourselves inside. But when I step back and watch all the people helping during the recent fires, I feel happy. I am reminded of that quote from Fred Rogers, “Look for the Helpers* when you are scared.” For not everyone of us can help the way we wish we could. But we can stay positive reminding those who stew in negativity that there are many helpers in this world. Look for the positive. 72”x72” Oil on Canvas - Gallery Price $5500
“Mind Games”
Donated to The Crocker Art Museum BNSA 2020
We need to recognize the power we have to step away from the people who are making us sick. Often those playing mind games are so alluring, you can’t see a way out until you are very sick. This painting is a reminder that you always have the power to let go of those people and when you see that type of person coming your way again, set boundaries or never open the door in the first place. 9”x12” Watercolor on Paper - Gallery Price $450
“Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’”
Donated to The Sacred Heart Home Tour 2019
What is it about the pure delight of seeing tumble weed bounce down the highway? When I visit Reno, no matter my mood, I am always delighted to see these guys bouncing around. It makes me instantly happy. With whimsy, they provoke silly Western film music in my head. These earth dust bunnies give me hope that life after death might be a bit lighter, and more adventurous, than previously indicated. 30”x22” Watercolor and Oil Pastel on Paper-Gallery Price $1200
“Deconstructed in Tahoe”
Donated to Rio Americano Athletic Auction 2019
Tahoe in the Summer is a salve for the other three seasons. All year longing for easy days off jumping off the dock and boating the days away. The sweet smell of crunch pine cones, hot sand under feet. The pure blue green water that can take your breath in one daring leap. As modern life goes on everywhere else in the West, my stress can be deconstructed in Tahoe. 30”x22” Watercolor on Canvas - Gallery Price $1200