Back Then & Now Owning a whole creative life in distinct chapters: I am a native New Yorker, went to NYC public schools, have a Master's in Illustration from Syracuse University, and Easton, PA is my home.
Happy in my own company, I haven't changed much this way since childhood.
Always working with my hands - they draw, paint, write, design, cook, sew, build, garden, and swim and sail well.
I finish what whatever project I start. I thrive on deadlines, self-imposed and assigned.
Most recently, solo exhibits of paintings and illustrations have been at the Society of Illustrators, New York, NY, 2007, 2010; The National Arts Club, New York, NY, December, 2009-2010.
I'm a long-time member of the Author's Guild and Graphic Artist's Guild, too.
In the 1970's Starting out professionally, I began as a newspaper designer and illustrator at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN at the School of Journalism, 1975-77, for The Indiana Daily Student (ids).
Moving back East, as a freelancer, I did television commercial storyboards for Young & Rubicam Advertising and Zanders Animation Studio, New York, NY, 1977-78, as a commuter to Manhattan from Staten Island.
I also worked for a brief time for Condé Nast Publications for SI Newhouse personally at The Staten Island Advance and
Vogue Magazine.
In Philadelphia, soon thereafter, I was a contented graphic designer, editor, and illustrator in Temple University's publications office, 1977-82. I received my first CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) recognition for my graphic design work, as well awards as from Women in Communications, Philadelphia chapter, for various illustrated publications.
In the 1980’s I freelanced regularly for Lafayette and Muhlenberg College's publications offices; working too for Lehigh and Penn State Universities on several successful, published projects.
- My most recognizable work from this era was for UK importers, Donegal Square, 1984-93; also a featured muralist for Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA 1985-87.
In the 1990’s In an inspired mid-life decision, I completed a Master's in Illustration from
Syracuse University, 1992-94. My instructors included noted magazine and book illustrators - Herb Tauss, Wendell Minor, Murray Tinkleman, David Levine, John Thompson, Vincent DiFate, Richard Rosenbloom, Burt Silverman, and Stanley Meltzoff, among others.
I became an Artist Member of the Society of Illustrators in 1996. Having moved to Manhattan in 1995, I worked there as a research librarian from 1993-1996 while doing freelance assignments and having other part-time jobs. My goal, at the time, was to publish my picture books as an illustrator and writer. It didn't happen as planned.
The set of 10 books, still unpublished and unseen, are in their respective portfolios in my studio.
- In a return to college publications design and editing, I worked as the Chief Editor/Writer of the alumni publication Prattfolio, 1996-98 at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. Won a Gold CASE award for the new magazine in 1997.
Jim Henson Studios hired me freelance for movie and television show development 1995-96; I also had a stint at The New York Post as a freelance photographer, 2003-2004.
2000 Forward - A portfolio of courtroom illustrations 2003-4 was completed at New York State Supreme Court, downtown Manhattan, NY. Along with the listed (above) solo exhibitions and freelance work as a photographer, I 've maintained an active studio with a variety of projects, including short film-making, writing, and painting.
I became an Exhibiting Artist Member of The National Arts Club in 2002. I plan to exhibit there again soon.
Most recently, I have courtroom illustration collections from US Federal Court in Philadelphia, 2019-2021. I completed a major revision of my picture book portfolios, as well as archiving a significant personal collection of paintings.
In 2020-2022, I was the Creative Director, graphic designer and illustrator at History Making Productions, Philadelphia, PA for a new documentary, Tommy and Me, by NBC Sports and WIP Radio journalist and author, Ray Didinger. The successful stage production is the core of the documentary film about the serendipitous friendship of the 1960's Pro Football Hall of Fame , Philadelphia Eagles football player Tommy McDonald and Ray Didinger as a kid, and then eventually a professional sports writer whose career paralleled his friend's. The documentary will be released in the near future.
In October, 2023, I was an invited exhibitor as a Painter at the XIV Florence Biennale 2023. A grand experience to participate in this exhibition, the gifted people I met there inspired a new direction for my painting. Let's see what develops here on in.
Happy New Year! May it be truly inspirational for everyone.
January, 2024
