A bit more about me…
Exploring costume design at AIS. Photo credit Rick Dalzell.
Hello! Welcome to my blog here at Scrap of Clay!
I thought this would be a good place to introduce myself.
In the beginning. I’m the product of two brilliant teachers - my dad taught high school while my mom taught elementary school. They embraced a liberal parenting style, allowing me to explore numerous extracurricular activities from a young age. Starting at 6, I delved into tap dance, jazz, piano, gymnastics, vocal lessons, theater, and various camps. Despite not being shy, I felt uncomfortable under the spotlight, leading me to switch activities every few years. Avoiding the limelight, each venture thrust me onto a stage where all attention was focused on me.
Enter AIS. One of the last activities I tried was fine art. At the encouragement of my art teacher, and eventually my mentor Mrs. Pat Serresseque, I joined an after-school art studio called "Artists In Schools" (AIS). I was allowed to explore the fine art of painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery. It was here that I finally found my tribe. The first art show that I exhibited in sealed my fate. I can vividly recall standing back at the opening of that exhibit's reception, observing how people reacted to my work. It felt surreal; I became both the artist and a member of the audience. This environment became my comfort zone. My journey with AIS spanned seven years, from 6th to 12th grade, during which I honed my artistic niche. Additionally, I enriched my skills by attending two summer camps at Northern Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University, where I delved into sculpture, jewelry-smithing, oil painting, and drawing.
Raising my right hand. One day, my dad came to me with an issue he and my mother had been discussing. They were struggling to come up with the money to pay for my college education. I was in my senior year of high school, and my ultimate goal was to attend art school with the dream of working for Disney Corp. Among the options he presented, there was the suggestion of me joining the Army National Guard to utilize the GI Bill for financing my studies. Intrigued by the opportunity, I agreed to talk to a recruiter. They mentioned a position available for me as an Illustrator within a unit based in Michigan. The proposition left me overjoyed, so I wholeheartedly joined without hesitation. Just three days after my high school graduation, I found myself boarding a plane heading to Fort Dix, New Jersey, for basic combat training. Excelling during this phase, I smoothly transitioned to Advanced Individual Training to specialize in Illustration at Lowry Air Force Base located in Denver, Colorado. It was there that I encountered numerous fellow passionate young artists like me, creating a community bonded by our love for art.
Becoming a professional artist. After returning home in November 1987, I embarked on my college journey at Delta College in Saginaw, MI in January of the following year. Transitioning after a year and a half, I pursued my artistic passions at Western Michigan University's art school, all while fulfilling my National Guard duties. This path led me to successfully earning a BS degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Commercial Printing. My professional career kicked off at the Grandville Printing Company in Grandville, MI, where I initially served as an Executive Secretary before transitioning to a Typesetter role. Subsequently, I honed my skills at Action Wholesale Services as a Graphic Designer, until an unfortunate layoff led me to Michigan Bulb Company as a Senior Graphic Designer. Despite facing adversity when the company went bankrupt, my personal life was thriving, having married and welcomed two children. Taking a break to raise my kids, I eventually returned to work at Kendall College of Art and Design as an Adjunct Professor. In this role, I shared my expertise in Drawing for Graphic Designers, Typography, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator with eager students.
Going on Active Duty. However, there was an underlying sense of incompleteness lingering within me. Reflecting on my past experiences in the National Guard stirred a deep longing for the sense of camaraderie and purpose I once felt. As the memories of my fulfilling time as a part-time Soldier flooded back, I couldn't shake off the feeling of a missing piece in my life's puzzle. After much contemplation alongside my supportive husband, I made the life-altering decision to reenlist in July 2001, driven not only by the monetary benefits but also by the desire to reignite the passion I had tucked away for so long. Transitioning from a part-time role to the full-time position of Marketing Non-Commissioned Officer for the Michigan Army National Guard reignited my graphic design skills and allowed me to leave a meaningful mark on the recruiting command for seven fruitful years. These experiences paved the way for my growth, leading me to seek new and more fulfilling endeavors. In March 2024, with a heart full of cherished memories and 20 years of valuable lessons, I bid adieu to my service in the Army National Guard, stepping into a new chapter of my life, enriched by the experiences of the past.
A New Hope (Star Wars reference). Now that my children have grown into adults, both of them have embraced their artistic talents. I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments. Retirement has given me the opportunity to delve into new ventures, like launching Scrap of Clay Art Studio. I am eagerly looking forward to the journey ahead and all the exciting possibilities it holds!
