From a young age, I have been captivated by the art of drawing, wielding a crayon as soon as I could grasp it. For as long as I can remember, I have dedicated countless hours to bringing my imaginative adventures to life on paper, depicting everything from people and cars to buildings and airplanes.

After a fulfilling career as an architectural illustrator, I experienced a transformative moment in 2010 that prompted me to reevaluate my purpose. I made the bold decision to close my business and relocate to the serene mountains of North Carolina. I realized that I no longer wished to create art that manipulated emotions for commercial gain. This journey of self-discovery has led me to embrace my new role as an inspirational artist and art educator.

The artwork I now produce is a reflection of my ongoing spiritual journey, enriched by profound personal experiences and the stories of fellow travelers on this path. I draw inspiration from vivid visuals that emerge from my imagination and, at times, from my dreams. Living in close proximity to nature fuels my creativity and inspires me daily.

In addition to my teaching and community service, I engage in personal projects and collaborate with others to articulate significant events in their lives. I am deeply passionate about creating art that resonates with the human spirit—both my own and that of others. I am grateful for the gifts bestowed upon me by the universe, which enable me to create and share my vision with the world.

I am a Marine Corps veteran—active duty from 1962-1967—to include a tour of duty in

Vietnam—1965-1966-plus some time in the active reserves. I used the GI Bill to earn a PH.D.

In Human Development and I became a clinical psychologist. After one of my employers eliminated my position and I needed to move to another location, I decided to do something for myself—I began to take painting classes, starting with watercolors, then on to acrylics, oils and pastels.

After moving to North Carolina and beginning at the Charles George VAMC, I entered several of the annual veterans art shows and won several ribbons. A recreational art therapist suggested that I consider helping with the ongoing mural project in the tunnel between the hospital and the Community Living Center. The project is led and designed by Jim Stilwell. He outlined the intention to depict scenes from all our nation’s military interventions since the opening of the Charles George VAMC (World War I to the present) and, more recently, all of the departments at the CGVAMC. Jim has identified significant conflicts and images of the times and departments and outlined the images on the tunnel walls. Veterans have volunteered to paint them (including some residents of the CLC before Covid).

I have enjoyed working on the murals and the comradery of the painters. I have always attempted to depict realism in my paintings as I see portraying three dimensions on a two dimensional surface as a form of ”magic.” I have had a hand in each of the military-related murals and, now the “One Heart Beats for All” wall as the project continues.

Terry is an Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He volunteered at the beginning of the mural project and participated weekly until we were put on hold due to Covid. Terry did not have experience with acrylic painting although  he was very creative in other mediums including wood burning. This was tough on the job training and very complex for a beginner painter, however Terry caught on quickly. His first project was a Vietnam patrol boat in which he had experience with during that war.  Terry participated in the first 3 phases painting images of other veteran's personal stories and history.

Kat was originally from Central New York, working at the VA in Syracuse until 2006 when she transferred to Asheville.  At the Asheville VA, she worked in Geriatrics and Extended Care and for the Chief of Staff.  During her time in Voluntary Service as a Specialist, she worked with Jim, other key VA staff and leadership on design approvals in getting the mural project brought to life.       

With Kat’s lifelong connection and admiration for Veterans, when she retired in 2021 she decided to come back and help as a volunteer. She was drawn to helping Jim work on the mural project, so….she put her crafting skills to good use, painting with Jim, CLC residents and other volunteers. 

She loves all types of crafts including painting, quilting and knitting.