In 1999, I invited the Artist Archetype into my life, naïve as to what might happen. I painted my first mandala, “The Mexican Madonna” during a workshop taught by Paul Heussenstamm in Todo Santos Mexico. My experience was profound as colour danced within me.

I was thrilled with the whole process and began painting in earnest on my own and gradually with others. I was 50 years old and I was on the path of my inner artist. Painting has become a friend that I can always turn to. For me, painting is about blending elements from my personal story with archetypal images, nature and vibrant colour. As a result, my art is personally meaningful and I believe universally relevant.

I hold that art is for everyone; it is not just about talent, but can also be about community, fun, beauty, healing and meditation. After assisting Paul for years, I now teach individuals and small groups in the process of Mandala painting. Using the art form of the Mandala has proven to be a very simple starting point for everyone beginning to paint.

Although I continue to lead painting workshops using the Mandala form, my art is expanding into new directions. Spiritual meaning and the essence of inner reality continues to be the core of my art. The outer form now includes beautiful landscapes meaningful symbols and the loved ones in my life.

I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to use my art to contribute to a new story for our world. The grimness of never-ending war and greed tends to dominate the current world story. Inspired after reading “Three Cups Of Tea” I began donating profits from my greeting cards, paintings and workshops to CAI (Central Asia Institute) that is dedicated to building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. There seems to be a karmic connection between West Countries and Central Asia at the moment and education is a key to that relationship. In my life, my art has benefited me personally in numerous ways and I want to share some of those benefits with others as well.