Artist Statement: These works were created at the artist retreat, Ragdale, located minutes away from Chicago in the suburb of Lake Forest. I attend this retreat annually during the summer months. Each visit, I reserve time to observe and reflect upon the glories of my surroundings (i.e., the landscape, the prairie, the grounds and the well-stocked refrigerator).

In Studio Garden, the image is the garden and porch directly in front of my studio space (that is bigger than my house!).

In Garden Entrance, the image is of the garden entrance guarded by two comical stone lions.

In Tea Set, the image is of my beloved, frequently used and magically replenished tea set outside of my studio space.

My collage technique begins with adhering layers of tissue paper with oil varnish. This allows the paper to appear translucent. I then attach a variety of decorative (e.g., origami) and found paper to the surface. I then draw quickly from life with a black marker. Later, I add more color, texture and details to the surface by using color pencils, pens, gelly roll pens and watercolor. Lastly, I coat the piece with acrylic varnish to unify the surface.