Creatively Thinking

  Featured image: Our Stories Lately, I have been thinking about how important it is to tell our own personal stories. After all, they are our history. Many times—often, for that matter—we feel shut down. We feel shut down for various reasons, often very petty reasons. For example, recently I was told I couldn't do a particular something because, listen to this, "we haven't done it before." Really! Now, if I was breaking a major rule or something, I would consider it worthy of discussion, but I wasn't. I was merely telling the story behind one of my works of art. I was told I couldn't tell the story because it hadn't been done before. That only made sense to me if it would harm others in the process, which it wouldn't. The other reason was that others weren't allowed to do it. I couldn't understand that reasoning, but at the same time, I said to myself, if others wanted to do it, then let them see my example and ask if they could also do it. I ...

  I’m honored and grateful to share that my artwork Ringmaster’s Coat has been invited to exhibit in INNOVATIONS 2026, the 35th Annual International Open Juried Exhibition presented by the International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA), at the Tubac Center of the Arts in Tubac, Arizona. My work often explores the space between the real, the imagined, and freedom. Ringmaster’s Coat continues that exploration, inviting reflection on identity, transformation, and the stories we create about ourselves and the world around us. I’m deeply honored to have this piece included among the innovative work of artists from around the world. My sincere thanks to juror Ash Dahlke, the International Society of Experimental Artists, and the Tubac Center of the Arts for this meaningful opportunity. The exhibition will be on view November 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Thank you, as always, for supporting my work and sharing in this journey.

I’m feeling especially grateful to share that three of my works— Rosie , Wings , and Water Falling —have been accepted into Wisconsin ART from the NORTH , presented by Wisconsin Visual Artists at ArtStart Galleries in Rhinelander. This exhibition received 176 entries from 70 artists, with 73 works by 52 artists selected by jurors Tom Uttech, Kelly Jean Olm, and Kyle Knoke. I’m truly honored to have all three of my pieces included. Nature has always been at the heart of my work. Whether inspired by the quiet presence of birds or the ever-changing movement of water, I continue to explore the connections between the natural world, imagination, and the stories they invite us to discover. My sincere thanks to the jurors, Wisconsin Visual Artists, and ArtStart Galleries for this wonderful opportunity. It is always a privilege to share my work alongside so many talented Wisconsin artists. The exhibition will be on view August 27 through October 31, 2026 , at ArtStart Galleries in Rhinelander,...

  Three years ago, I planted Claret lilies in my garden. After waiting so long, I had convinced myself the squirrels had claimed the bulbs, and that I would never see them bloom. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I walked out my front door, and there they were in all their glory—a beautiful surprise waiting for me. Aren't they just gorgeous? Nature has a wonderful way of reminding us that not everything unfolds in our time. Sometimes, the most beautiful gifts are simply waiting for the right moment to appear.

  Featured work:  003 Stories Series Every time I cross paths with another person, be they someone I know or a stranger, like this past weekend during the Northwoods Art Tour, where many art lovers visited my studio to reflect on the treasures art gives, I approach them, take a deep breath, and try to embrace their spirit. I trust there will be a wonderful shared exchange of energy that art always brings. I just trust that art will do that. Thank you to everyone who visited my studio during the Northwoods Art Tour. Whether we shared a conversation, reflected quietly together, or simply crossed paths for a brief moment, each encounter became part of the invisible thread that art weaves between us. I am deeply grateful for your openness, your curiosity, and your willingness to step into my creative world. It is through these shared moments that art continues to remind me of our connection to one another, and for that, I thank you.

  I’m grateful and honored to share that my painting Ringmaster’s Coat has been accepted into the Studio Texas International Online Competition 2026. The real, the imagined, and freedom continue to shape my work, and Ringmaster’s Coat reflects that ongoing exploration of identity, transformation, and the stories we choose to tell. I’m honored to have this piece included alongside the work of artists from around the world in this international online exhibition. My sincere thanks to Studio Texas and the jurors for this meaningful opportunity. I hope you'll take a moment to explore the exhibition and discover the wonderful variety of work on display. View the exhibition here: Studio Texas International Online Competition 2026 💛 Thank you, as always, for supporting my work and sharing in this journey.

  Featured image: Birthday Cake My half birthday was on July 21. I am hoping that the next six months, and the years that will follow, will bring no fear, no worries, no hatred, no hesitation—just love, just wonder, and the sheer joy of exploration and discovery. Of course, I have always had that dream, but as I move closer to having fewer days on earth, I want to think of those days as treasures, as days of always finding …………………. God's grace, beauty, and love, and walking away from everything that isn't that. I just read something that says what I am trying to say so beautifully. Calling myself an "artist" is not something I am comfortable with lately. It feels like a judgment call that I prefer those who view my work to make. For convenience, I call myself an artist, but, you know, for me it is either a "huge" word that carries a lot of mystery and wonderful meaning, or a very small word that has lost all its meaning. Lately, I don't know which one fo...