From the time that I was five years old and found myself the subject of high praise for a crudely executed finger painting of a green turtle, I knew that I wanted to be an artist. My formative years, all the way up to and including my graduate work in printmaking under Tony (Wai Yin) Ko at Edinboro State College unfolded with that objective in mind – to work as a professional artist. But, life intervened and for the next 40 years I dedicated myself and my life to family and to an adoptive career teaching and guiding families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. My vision of working as an artist was put on hold. Forty two years later, I pick up the pencil and the brush and do what I think I must do in the years that are left to me. When looking back today at the artist statement from my March 1982 MFA thesis exhibit, I find myself sounding a bit stuffy for a 24-year-old. I seem caught up in sounding very academic and heaven forbid, confident that I had found all of the answers when it came to producing art. After a lifetime of working with children and families, I have learned quite a bit about compassion and empathy. I have come to the humble realization that while I may have found a few answers, I still have a lot of questions about life and about art. And so, I believe what this artist statement (redux) must include is a new perspective; that I see my artwork now as being less about deep academic introspection or getting it right and more about striking up a conversation with others. Conversations always are more productive and helpful when one asks more questions than makes comments. Regardless of the form or content of my images, I hope that they ask questions of others. Does this painting make you smile because I've touched on some commonality or synchronicity between us? Did this drawing evoke a nod of understanding because you and I have had a similar life experience? Presently, I am working in egg tempera on traditional wood panels. I have taken a good deal of inspiration from the works of Andrew Wyeth and George Tooker who both worked extensively with this often difficult medium. In contrast, I am also fond of the spontaneity and color palette of Arshile Gorky and the draftsmanship of Jim Dine. In addition to visual art, I write poetry. I am a member of Poetry Erie PA and have had works published in the Erie County Poetry Anthology, vol 1. For me, my work must be honest and sharing of my vulnerabilities and doubts as a fellow human being. To be successful, it should serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue with my audience; a silent discussion that may stir a new thought or an old emotion within them for even the briefest of moments in their busy day. And if that experience makes that moment just a little better for them, then I will feel that I have been successful as an artist or as a poet.