My paintings are created using a nontraditional method of "Batik," an ancient form of expression in resist painting. The word batik means "wax painting" in Malayan.

Traditional batik involves applying hot wax to a fabric surface, then painting with colored dyes. The areas covered with the hot wax do not absorb the dye, so the wax "resists" the dye or paint. The batik process was first practiced by the Egyptians, but reached its highest development in Java, Indonesia where it has been practiced since the 7th Century AD. Batik was first introduced in Europe by the Dutch painters in the 17th Century.

Today, I layer hot wax and watercolor paint on a ricepaper surface. I begin a painting with a composition in mind and render linear forms using a traditional tjaunting tool and hot wax. I add washes of watercolor paint to blend the forms. The method is repeated, adding layers of hot wax and washes of watercolor paint until the painting is complete. In the final steps of the batik process, there is an element of surprise as the image begins to reveal itself with the removal of the wax.

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"I believe I have created a unique style through the use of a traditional medium for contemporary and stylized images. Although batik can be unforgiving, I enjoy the challenge of making it come to life in my work. As a mixed media artist, I enjoy the freedom of experimenting with different tools and mediums. I am inspired by nature and often paint a variety of subjects, exaggerating forms in expressive bold shapes of color and texture. I believe the basis for a strong foundation in painting is the ability to draw the figure. This fundamental training of looking at such a complex form enables the artist to see more of all things in nature."

Juried and Selected Exhibitions

• 2012 - 2012 NICHE Award Winner, Mixed Media, www.nicheawards.com
• 2011 - Award of Outstanding Achievement, Promenade of Art, Amdur Productions, Arlington Heights, IL
• 2011 - Honorable Mention, Hinsdale Art Festival, Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, Hinsdale, IL
• 2011 - Award of Oustanding Achievement in Painting, Barrington Art Festival, Amdur Productions, Barrington, Illinois
• 2010 - Best Area Artist, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville, Illinois
• 2009 - Award of Merit, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville, Illinois
• 2009 - Award of Excellence, Naperville Women's Club 50th Annual Summer Art Fair, Naper Settlement Naperville, Illinois
• 2008 - Second Place, Painting Category, Hinsdale Fine Art Fair, Hinsdale ,Illinois
• 2007 - Honorable Mention, Naperville Women's Club Show, Naper Settlement, Naperville, Illinois
• 2004 - Artists' Award CompArt Show, Chesterton Art League, Chesterton, Indiana
• 2004 - Honorable Mention, Naperville Women's Club, Naper Settlement, Naperville, Illinois
• 2002 - Honorable Mention, Elmhurst Art Guild Members Show, Elmhurst, Illinois
• 2002 - Second Place, Four Corners Art Gallery, Naperville Illinois
• 2002 - Merit Award DuPage Art League, Wheaton, Illinois
• 2001 - Best Of Show, Danada Fall Festival Show, Wheaton, Illinois
• 2000 - Honorable Mention Award, Danada Fall Festival Show, Wheaton, Illinois
• 2000 - Third Place 49th Annual Chesterton Women's Club Show Chesterton, Indiana
• 1999 - Best Of Show, 48th Annual Chesterton Women's Club Show, Chesterton, Indiana
• 1999 - First Place, Gahlberg Gallery, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
• 1998 - Merit Award, DuPage Art League, Wheaton, Illinois
• 1997 - Honorable Mention Award, Danada Fall Festival, Wheaton, Illinois
• 1997 - First Place Grand Opening, Elmhurst Art Museum, Guild Members Show, Elmhurst, Illinois
• 1997 - Best of Show, Dupage Art League, Wheaton, Illinois
• 1996 - Best of Show, Dupage Art League, Wheaton, Illinois