Images from Opening Night

Thanks to all who have made it out to the gallery! It has been absolutely uplifting to hear such positive responses, and I appreciate every one. If you haven't seen the work in person, please enjoy some photos (taken by Carrie Bosch) from the opening on April 5th.

Gallery List

Mini Works
2011 MIXED MEDIA
$35.00EA

1• Carrie
2010 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

2• Lori
2010 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

3• Leah
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

4• Sandy
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

5• Kim
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

6• Amanda
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

7• Kathy
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

8• Mickey
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

9• Melanie
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST

10• Andrea
2011 MIXED MEDIA
PRICE ON REQUEST



Each portrait that I have created is being offered to the Woman Artist Educator as a trade for a piece of her own artwork. If the subject declines the trade, the piece will be offered for sale to the general public.

Artist Statement

“Women Artist Educators” is a portrait series by way of experimental, contemporary “femmage.” Each piece combines a variety of media that can be tied to the lives of women, traditionally and non-traditionally. The materials used in this collection include: acrylic paint, acrylic gel medium, fabric, beads, foam core, cardboard, paper, photographs, glass, tissue, metal, and wood.


The theme of the display is gently feminist. The intention is to showcase and celebrate the uniqueness of women as artist educators, while overshadowing the typical feminine labels and titles that we all share. The media used reflects both traditional and contemporary feminine crafts with a modern twist in order to capture the subject.


Every material in each portrait has meaning, and many have been saved by myself or saved and donated by the woman artist educator. Photos illustrate relevant portions of life, and some materials were chosen because of their symbolic, feminine qualities. Significant or inspirational words, unique to the individual, flow through several of the portraits. Many of the portraits are subtly separated into layers using enviro-tex polymer, in order to echo the multiple layers of personality and wisdom that we all have as human beings.


I hope that each “Woman Artist Educator” views her portrait and connects to the subject matter, the colors, textures, layers, and unique energy that each piece gives off. I hope that all viewers will see each piece as independently beautiful, and also connected to one another on a subconscious level.

Andrea: Art Making Mother

I am an artist. Being an artist is a state of mind and I am completely comfortable wearing that title. Because I am an artist, I artfully approach all aspects of the way I live. I am a mother, wife, educator, friend, sister, and daughter and each of these things contribute to my whole self and contribute to my total happiness. I believe in having dreams and achieving them without considering limitations. We live in a world of infinite possibilities and I want my children to grow with positivity and love into whatever it is they dream to be.

We can be limited by the titles that we hold if we chose to be held back. When someone looks at me and knows that I am an art teacher, society has already implanted stereotypes in our brains that some of us cannot shake. I know that there are people that think that an educator should look and act a certain way. I've met these people. We are expected to act and carry out certain duties as mother, wife, etc. I've never been one to follow all of the rules, but that doesn't mean I'm not right for the label. I'd simply rather make my own label.

I am a great educator because I love what I do and I believe in what I teach. I will continue to improve throughout my career and throughout my life. Because my heart is in the right place and because my brain can back it up, I aim for greatness on a daily basis. Educator is a title that follows me in and out of the workplace. I love to share ideas, knowledge, and creativity with my children, friends, and strangers.

Greatness as an artist is relative. Attempting to create something new and illustrate the ideas in my head will always be exciting, and my art will always change. I love to make things... I love to make everything. The way I make things today may not be the way I make art tomorrow, but tomorrow is something to look forward to.

It's great to be a woman in 2011. It's great to not be afraid to be a woman. I can do absolutely anything that my male counterparts can do and I can open any door I choose to open. Am I a great woman? In my personal world, I think I'm close... but that doesn't mean I will ever stop growing. I'm proud of who I am, of what I've accomplished, and of my relationships with the people in my life.

Being a mother is an honor and the most important responsibility one can ever take on. I cherish every moment I have with my children (even the difficult ones). I will give my children all of the love and experience I can possibly give. They will have opportunities that I didn't have and they will learn to appreciate their environment and the world around them. Greatness in motherhood is an evolution, and you'll never know if you have achieved it until your children have grown to a point that they can recognize it.

From speaking with and creating art inspired by all of these wonderful women, I have grown tremendously. My hope is that each woman has learned a bit about themselves by contemplating the questions that I presented them with. Clearly, we all have common traits, but each of us is her own unique individual self, and that is a beautiful thing. If you are comfortable and confident within your own skin, the likelihood of being limited by any of your titles decreases.

Melanie: Artist Mom in Progress

Melanie sees herself as a "work in progress" but she is truly a work of art. She is a loving and caring mother who is completely dedicated and connected to her family in a beautifully positive way. Her background in art education guides her as a mother and teacher while her children guide her opportunities to make art.

Melanie says, "I am a work in progress just like my art. I love being a stay at home mom, a wife, an artist, and teaching my girls art. I love seeing my same passion for art come out in them."

Melanie shares that there is one particular scripture that she believes in and lives by wholeheartedly:


"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

"I look forward to seeing my talents develop and where God will lead me next."

Melanie's commitment to and love for her family and being a wonderful stay at home "art mom" has provided great inspiration in the creation of her portrait.

Mini Works

I have been creating these mini-works while adding to the Women Artist Educator portraits. Each piece is on a 5x7" board, and I have used them to test various media and to extend or recycle the materials I have used on any given portrait. The collection of mini-works is growing and I will display these in my exhibition in April.

An Art Show Without Shoes

The opening reception for the "Women Artist Educators" exhibit will be held on April 5, 2011: One Day Without Shoes. I hope you will join me in raising awareness, by attending my show without shoes or spending your entire day without shoes. Visit TOMS for more information.

Kathy: Artistic Nurturer

When I look at the responses that Kathy gave me to the essential Women Artist Educator questions, "I'm a nurturer to the max!!" just jumps out at me. She defines herself as a wife, mother, sister and a daughter, a teacher and a learner, a neighbor and a friend. Kathy believes in people, cares for all things and has a really optimistic view of the world in general. She gave a great list of adjectives that she would use to describe herself: trusting, loyal, faith filled, sympathetic, optimistic, strong-willed, stubborn, impatient, slightly bossy!, naive, silly, enthusiastic, rebellious, and kind.

Kathy feels blessed by all of her titles, but does feel limited in the respect that she is stretched too thin. At times this makes her feel frustrated an unsatisfied, which is natural if you are attempting to put equal amounts of energy and enthusiasm into all of the things we must do as women. It is important to prioritize these roles.

As an educator, Kathy is comfortable in the classroom and values the opportunities that she has to share Art experiences with her students. She is passionate about teaching Art and the creative process. She believes in a safe and nurturing environment for her students, and shows them respect and gives them infinite encouragement.

As an artist, Kathy feels fortunate to be able to create. She has had incredible teachers who have imparted vast technical knowledge, as well as significant life experiences which provide artistic inspiration.

When asked what makes her a great woman, Kathy answers that a great woman is strong, intelligent, kind and generous. "She is someone that has a purpose and believes in herself. She is someone that gives of herself for the betterment of others. She is confident and compassionate. I'm not sure that I'm any of these things, but I am, at the very least, aspiring to be!"

Kathy sent me some beautiful photos of her family, children, and pets, and home. She shared with me that the Serenity Prayer was significant to her and was something that is incorporated into her portrait.

Mickey: Dedicated Artist, Talented Educator

Mickey is so much fun, yet so even tempered. She has a clear sense of who she is and what she needs to do. Not only is she an accomplished art educator, but she is an incredible artist. It's clear that Mickey loves life and loves what she does. She answered the "Women Artist Educator" questions on a hand written sheet, and her answers are so great that I do not want to edit them at all.

How do you define yourself?
"As a creative person, love people (all kinds), animal lover. I have a positive outlook; almost always happy. I am a good friend."
What makes you unique?
"I think everyone is unique. I would say (if I have to) my personality, because I think that is what defines a person."
Do you feel limited by any of your titles?
"Yes. I love teaching but I have NO time for my own art. When the children were young I had no time and now they are gone and work occupies my time."

Mickey brings up the issue of time. So many of these women artist educators wear many hats. It truly is a balancing act for some to be able to work, and mother, and make art.. not to mention be a wife, sister, friend, or just be.

What about you makes you a great educator?
"I guess because I love art and I love children, and I want us all to be the best we can be. I try to learn all the time, whether it be from people, children, books, internet, etc. I have to be a lifetime learner to be a good teacher."

What about you makes you a great artist?
"I think I paint what I feel. I believe I can see things that others can't (some times), like color in white, etc. I love to let my mind take over when I do art. It just happens. Art is my life, always has been. It is who I am, I guess."

What about you makes you a great woman?
"I am always willing to learn and listen. My cup is always half-full."

Mickey sent me some photos of her family (husband, children, pets), to use in her portrait. She also shared a quote that was meaningful to her, which is included in the work. More than anything, her positive energy has been a driving force as I create her "Woman Artist Educator" portrait.

Amanda: Funky Art Mom

Amanda is eccentric, and quirky, and fantastically artsy. She puts off a great positive energy, and believes that the way our characteristics and personality traits combine is what makes each of us unique. Amanda embraces her labels of daughter, mother, teacher, lover, student, friend, and artist, but confesses that being a "teacher" does limit her freedom of expression. In her eyes, subscribing to the stereotypical teacher characteristics, affords her the opportunity to teach a subject that she is passionate about.

Amanda's love of art and teaching...and again, her positivity, are what make her a successful educator. You cannot be a great educator if you do not have a love and passion for the subject matter and for the profession. She shares that being a great artist means something different to each artist and each viewer. In her words: "I believe that every artist has a bit of a God complex. We create. We take from what we are and we form a new thing. For me, I put myself into my art and send it out, hoping it is meaningful enough that the viewers are drawn to it. I want the viewers to form a relationship, to see a meaning. I don't care if it is the meaning I, myself, assigned to it. If it is strong enough to have meaning to a viewer, then it is alive. Alive as an artwork and I, in turn, have created that life. That, to me, is what makes a great artist and I hope I have achieved that, but it is really the viewer that is the judge."

With the right mindset, good energy, and dedication a woman/artist/educator can make tremendous accomplishments. Amanda illustrates this in her life, work, and art.

Kim: Preservice Artist Educator

I haven't known Kim for very long, but I have a strong sense of who she is as a woman. She is at at point in her life where she is figuring out who she wants to be. In a phase of transition and change, she is seriously contemplating who she wants to become. Kim has very broad interests; art, sports, and music. She appreciates material things but also has a great appreciation for nature, which keeps her balanced. In her opinion, these are the things that make her unique.

Kim doesn't feel limited by any of the titles that describe her because she has defied/ broken so many of them. As an illustration of this, she shares that she was an artist at a design firm and then decided that art education was a more desirable field. She is a non-traditional student and I think she embraces that idea. Her titles do not restrict her because she can break right through them.

I love Kim's outlook on what will make her a great art educator. She believes that everyone has potential but they need help reaching that potential. She enjoys the diversity in the learning styles of students, and is comforted by the knowledge that an educator can truly make a difference.

In terms of success as a professional artist, Kim has a unique perspective due to her work experiences. In terms of graphic design, she has the skills to interpret what people want. She makes the effort to understand the client and translate their ideas into the work. This is a huge consideration in the life of an artist who is looking to make a living from their work. I think Kim is the first artist educator who has answered this question in this way. She's turned the tables, and I find it intriguing.

When asked what makes Kim a great woman, she shared that she just does her own thing. "I don't depend on anyone to to anything for me."

Kim donated a beautiful collections of papers with a variety of textures, patterns, and colors. She also shared some photographs of her digital work as well as paintings. Her contribution of black glitter (which is pretty amazing) did drive the tone of her portrait to a large extent.

Sandy: Art Educator

My interview with Sandy was conducted in bustling and busy environment. This was appropriate for her, in that she is one of the most effective multi-taskers I have ever met. Sandy's views herself as art educator primarily, and most importantly.

As a child, Sandy wanted to be a ballerina. She started making acrylic paintings at a young age, and people in her small town took notice. A gentleman that worked for the town newspaper assumed that Sandy wanted to be an art teacher because she was such a great artist. She was always encouraged to be a teacher but didn't commit to the idea until a high school guidance counselor convinced her that it was the appropriate career path. She recalls stating, "I guess I'll be an art teacher."

Sandy believes that the things that make you a great person are the things that make you a great woman. A great woman needs balance. Sandy views herself as constantly changing: "My obsessions change." A great woman has drive, passion, love for family, and is always seeking more.

She struggles with the title of artist. Sandy describes herself as an art lover, an art enthusiast. She likes to make art, but is not actively breaking barriers. In her opinion, a true artist is striving to break barriers. Although she feels like she's fallen off of the "artist" bike, her passion has shifted to teaching art. Sandy is a great educator because she loves to learn. "I have a passion for what I teach." She believes that if you're not excited about it, you shouldn't be teaching it.

When asked if Sandy feels limited of any of her labels, her response was that people take on their own labels. It depends on your own perception of your labels. As a woman, you understand things differently but Sandy went on to say, "I don't have any label I don't wear proudly." She confessed that she doesn't always feel that she's taken seriously by the art community due to her role as an art educator. That is merely an avenue and an opportunity for change.

Culmination of Summer Work

These will be framed, and I won't say that they are finished yet. A frame can change the feel of a piece and I have big ideas for these frames. Lori, Carrie, and Leah (in respective order) have been wonderful inspiration for the beginning of this project and I am learning about myself by working with the pieces of their lives as Women Artist Educators.

Leah: The Process

Leah's piece began with some linear raised elements and patterned paper. Her piece, for me, is about a feeling of nature and strength. I worked on some gels of her personal artwork and a portrait gel that was b & w. I didn't paint behind this one so that the colors and patterns in the background could show through. I have some saved items to incorporate, including: stones, photographs, papers, fabrics, and magazine clippings. I have to decide which to add in their raw state and which I will make gel transfers from. The challenge on this piece is that I enjoy the overall feel of it as it is... so I have to carefully place additional material and framing.

Carrie: The Process

I began this piece with acrylic orange painting and sponging in the background.
I added some saved items that were donated by Carrie, some in their original state and some that had been altered.
I used gel transfers of some photos from around Carrie's home as well as a gel transfer image of her. some of these gels were b & w with acrylic painting behind them, others were color gel transfers.
Jellybeans have been added and coated with envirotex, the significance of the jellybeans will be understood by the subject. There are also some sewing needles "poking" in around the arm of the subject.
As a femmage, this piece includes photographs, saved items, made by/for a woman, and there is a nod to a typical female activity: sewing.

Gel Transfer Technique

So... I started this project with the intention of using photocopy acetate to transfer the images onto a gel covered surface. The trouble I experienced with this technique was that it was just a bit too unpredictable. I wanted to preserve the quality of the image, but with the acetate, I was only getting a faded and sparse image.

Aiming to achieve a different effect, and with some advice from my Mansfield professor, I started painting thick layers of gel over a paper image. The image has to be toner-based, but can be color, b&w, or even from a magazine or book. After the gel layers dry sufficiently, I submerge the entire paper into a bowl of water (as seen on the video clip). After the paper fibers have softened enough to be removed, I carefully work the paper away from the gel. The toner has already bonded to the gel, so when the paper is removed, the image stays on the gel.

In the video, I begin removing the paper from an image that has been coated with gel, and I finish up paper removal on a smaller gel that has already been worked once. No narration, just the artist working with the birds happily chirping in the background!

I've found that this technique is working well with my "femmage" collages... and I have been able to successfully control the results to some extant.

Lori: The Process

On this particular work, there are two gel transfers on the bottom layer that have been painted from behind. The next layer has some transfers from a book that Lori passed along to be with some basic tissue paper collage. Each layer has been coated with "enviro-tex" epoxy which has been flattening and smoothing the layers. The layer added in the video also included text that was derived from Lori's personal experience in art, along with some line work.

There are several aspects of this piece that qualify it as a "femmage." First of all, it is created by a woman, and the subject is female. Photographs have been included, by way of acrylic gel transfer. The quilted transfers add two femmage aspects. The fact that they are photographs of quilts, I believe, can be interpreted as a form of fabric. Also, the book was something saved by the subject. Text, although it is not embroidered, has been included.

Overall, I am quite pleased with the result, and I can't wait to see if Lori and other viewers can identify the piece as a portrait. Final image will be posted soon!

Adding a gel to "Lori"

The video clip captures the artist at work! After removing the paper from the gel, and deciding on placement, I use the gel medium to adhere the portrait transfer to the piece. Once dried, I add a layer of "enviro-tex" polymer.

Leah: Free Spirit

Leah was my first phone interview and we had an amazing conversation. Leah is also the first Woman Artist Educator that I have interviewed that is also a mother. From this interview, I have learned that Leah has an amazing sense of who she is. Not as an artist, or mom, or woman, but as a human being.

Leah has struggled with the definition of artist. Being an artist isn't something you do, but rather a way of thinking. She tells me that this realization occurred when she became a mother and it was an evolutionary process that took about two years. An artist is an artist even if he/she isn't actively making art. She has a similar view on the role of educator. Although Leah made the decision not to teach in a formal classroom, she is always teaching herself or others. As a counselor now, Leah sees herself as a personalized educator.

She is working hard to define herself. We are more than the roles we play. I am a mom, wife, provider, artist, homemaker... but I am freedom, joy, love, and spontanaeity. Leah is a free spirit.

I asked Leah what makes her a great educator, artist, woman, and mother. She was the first participant to answer without questioning her "greatness" in these roles. I interpret this as self-confidence and self-awareness on a different level.

Leah's level of consciousness makes her a great educator. She realizes teachable moments and shares her experiences from the heart, not from the ego. Being a great artist and a great educator are one in the same. You are great if you are creating through the heart. Leah is a great woman because of her balance of masculine and feminine energy. Feminine energy is strong, powerful, and seductive. Men and women are powerful in different ways.

Being a great mother is challenging. You take inspiration from the moms you admire and trust your intuition. A great mother has patience and gives unconditional love. It is important to consider that we do not own our children, we are facilitators of their growth.

See the video clip of my phone interview with Leah. She responds to the question, "Do you feel limited by any of your titles?"

Do you feel limited by your titles?