I have always had an interest in mythology and folk tales. Drawing in my family's background, I began a series of Russian folk tale etchings. Once I got started, I branched out to other cultures, and so far have been exploring Scandinavian, Irish, African, Asian and American Indian tales.

While I am not a wildlife artist, I like to include wildlife in most of my pieces. I see wildlife in relation to man in many cultures. For example, many myths show humorous situations with animals and man, man assisted by animals, and also animals behaving in anthropomorphic ways. Some cultures have animals representing deities, with some human characteristics, but with magical abilities. Often Native Americans explain the origins of the world through powerful animals, Raven, Coyote,  and Turtle.

There is always some new interpretation of a standard theme in each culture's folklore. The Cinderella story told in Iceland is about a very strong young woman who ends up refusing the hand of the prince. The Icelandic culture gave women a much greater role than did the French whose story is most familiar to us.

I enjoy discovering how the unique qualities of each culture show up in their stories, and like the challenge of trying to visually express these differences in my etchings.

I have been doing intaglio etching since 1975. Generally I do full color multiple plate etchings with aquatint. These are printed on Arches 100% rag cover stock paper. I also do watercolors on Arches 140# cold press paper.

I am interested in folk tales of many cultures and find them an inspiration in my work. I like to incorporate the fabric patterns and ornamentation from each ethnic group in borders around the images. I also work with the still life, and focus on fruits and vegetables. Additionally, I have done a broad variety of etchings for illustrations of children's books.

BORN: San Francisco, California

EDUCATION:
B.A. , San Francisco State University
Art Students League, New York
Canada College, Redwood City, CA
Foothill College, Los Altos, CA -- Illustration
Fort Mason Community College Art Center, San Francisco -- Intaglio etching