Welcome to ArtWorks East

The diverse range in my artistic style, my drive and yearning for new techniques, experimentation, and self-challenge leaves every artwork a special and unique piece to connect with.

My life is shaped, my spirit is sustained, and my artwork is inspired by the wild moody landscapes around my home. I see beauty in scenery that many people dismiss as bleak: a windswept barrens, a foggy beach, a granite headland, a snowy field, a bog.

My artistic vision is influenced by the wild natural landscape of the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

Hardwood is the best for carving: maple, birch and spruce. I like straight grain on a wood. You have to carve with the grain. Some twisty wood can be used if I see something in it.

My love of working in inks probably stems from my practical background in printing. It is such a defining medium, like ying and yang; it gives me balance.

Illustration is a principle practice that begins most of my work, but I experiment with many mediums depending on what forms and concepts I express. I have created a wide range of works.

I have been a painter in oils for 50 years, although I sometimes work in acrylics or watercolors. I have also been a printmaker for 15 years working mostly with monoprints.

I make wire and bead jewelry and other interesting items. I use all kinds of materials – wherever something pops up that speaks to me – including fish scales, cabochons (a gem polished but not faceted), and of course beads.

My first love in art making has always been landscape and still life. While I visited Nova Scotia frequently over the years, I moved to Guysborough permanently in 2018.

Even work on small paintings can take days, (working little by little), I notice myself feeling almost afraid as I begin, but then, once the pristine canvas is tackled, it’s full steam ahead.