My father was an artist who was forced by his parent's expectations to choose another more "proper" profession. When I was 10, he was giving me private art lessons but had to stop because he fell ill and died from leukemia-related pneumonia. It was rather dramatic for me to see him lose his balance and fall over while trying to give me lessons... and then to die. His death changed the course of my life in many ways, not the least of which was to cause me to deeply sublimate my artistic leanings. In the last few years however, they have crept to the surface and more recently they have come into full bloom. I have learned I am not a businesswoman. I am not a corporate person. I cannot accept those confines. I cannot accept that narrow vision of life. I am an artist.

I want to get a degree in fine arts. No, more than want - I will get a degree in fine arts. Art is my father's legacy to me, something he wanted me to have and something for which I have personally hungered all my life, even when I did not consciously know it. I will be an artist and I will change speak to the heart of humankind with what comes from my brush.

For many years I have treasured visits to museums and books on art. In 1998, I was fortunate to be able to go to France and I visited Monet's garden at Giverny. It was there that I knew I had to paint and to make things with my hands - to sculpt and to make ceramics.

Art school makes sense to me because art contributes to the enjoyment of life, makes life more beautiful, and it makes life more realistic. There are things that I can say with art that I cannot say with words. I have dabbled with it in community workshops here and there lately but am finally embarking upon this creative journey in full flower. My portraits and sculptures will inspire people and open their imaginations. My ceramic pieces will add color, form and spirit to their lives.