The trajectory of my life has been anything but linear. Rather, it has been a continuously unfurling spiral. As a child, I loved to make things. In my heart and soul I knew I was an artist, but as I grew into adulthood I was urged to do something more “practical” with my life. My first career was in nursing, where I confronted the big existential questions of life regarding suffering, death, and healing. I embarked upon a quest for answers to these questions by studying theology, and received a Master of Divinity degree. I then pursued ordination with the intention of becoming a hospital chaplain, but as a Catholic woman, that door was closed to me with no apparent hope of opening. After years of struggle within “the system," I surrendered to its reality. While on a silent retreat trying to figure out what to do next with my life, I read an article about “priesthood” in indigenous cultures, where the roles of artist/priest/healer coalesced. It was an “aha” moment for me when I returned to the original call of my soul as a young child to be the artist that I always knew myself to be.

I threw caution to the wind and began making art. Family and friends began telling me “You should try to sell this stuff.” So I went the route of trying to become a commercial success as an artist. I owned and operated my own gallery in downtown Binghamton for almost 8 years.

During the course of those years, people who came into La Loba Creations often remarked, “I wish I had your creativity.” It saddened me to hear these words, because I know that creativity is our birthright as human beings. I began teaching classes to encourage others to explore their own creativity, and in doing this I discovered my true passion. I closed my gallery in September 2006, and opened a studio at my home.

At “The Art Barn Studio”, I invite you to experience the joy of your own creativity. Through my own experience I know that art-making and creative expression are accessible to all human beings. Engaging in creative expression is fun and relaxing, increases self-esteem, and can foster self-exploration, personal growth, and optimal well-being. In my studio I emphasize the process of creating over the product. No previous artistic skills are required. The Art Barn Studio is filled to the brim with materials awaiting your playful exploration.

I describe myself as a multi-media artist. I do not have a formal art degree, but I have taken many classes, seminars, and workshops over the years. Being an "outsider artist" has given me a freedom of approach and a certain naive fearlessness--I do not believe that one can make a mistake while creating something…there are only opportunities for creative problem solving.

In May 2008 I completed requirements for a certificate in Expressive Arts Modalities, Level 1, through New York Expressive Arts in Albany, NY. The premise underlying an expressive arts approach to art-making is that creating an image, a song, a dance, or a poem, has an inherently transformative capacity. Furthermore, a creative connection exists between these different modalities of expression, and exploring these connections can open the doorway for insight into self. Opportunities are available at the Art Barn Studio for those wishing to experience this expressive arts approach.

Whether you want to dabble in art-making for the sheer joy of it, or desire to journey deeper into yourself with art processes as your guide, I invite you to remember what you already know, but often forget: that you are a creative being, and exploring your own creativity is one path to becoming your most authentic self.