I am a Pediatric Psychologist at Children's Hospital and Medical Center here in Omaha, Nebraska.  I specialize in working with children hospitalized with various medical issues and am very fortunate to do something I love. I am also an artist, which helps me cope with the emotionally intense nature of my job and is a way I can relax from my daily routine.  I show and sell my pieces at the Artist's Cooperative Gallery in the Old Market. 

I am self-taught and view most of my art as mini constructions.  I start with raw wood, create a design, carve the wood, and then layer paint. Later, I add depth and dimension by attaching various forms of metal, beads, or other found/obtained objects. 

My primary influence is southern folk art which is often created by artists passionate about art but typically not formally trained. Southern folk art encompasses paintings, quilts, sculpture, and found objects to make something original. 

Currently, I find inspiration in a variety of subjects, and nature is certainly a significant influence in my art/constructions. However, being a psychologist, I am also endlessly fascinated by various aspects of humanity including:

• Resilience of the human spirit, and coping with challenges
  
• Choosing our own path in life
  
• Compassion and acceptance of ourselves and others
  
• Our tendency as humans to hide aspects of ourselves
  
• Being authentic
  
• Joys of childhood experiences and growing up