My parents exposed me to the arts, but encouraged the pursuit of a practical career. I earned degrees in the natural sciences and taught in college and secondary schools for 30 years. My career, conservation ethic, and love of nature influence my artistic choices. Flora, fauna, and the environment frequently appear in my artwork. As an untrained artist working in the folk tradition I use recycled materials. I am grateful for the example set by people surviving by using local resources. Their inventiveness has challenged me to create works that contrast with our own “throwaway society”.