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I’m a Seattle transplant, although I’ve lived here longer than I’ve lived anywhere else, so I kinda think of myself as a native now since I’ve been here over 30 years – wow! I’m first generation American – both parents came from Germany and I’ve got strong cultural ties there still. I grew up mainly in Colorado – yes, on skis – my parents actually owned a ski shop! I left home early – boarding school in Minnesota, then college in several places, finally grabbing my diploma from the American University in Paris and then setting off for four years in Berlin to get better acquainted with that afore-mentioned German heritage and some relatives who still live there. Moved to Seattle in fall 1989 – yes, just one month ahead of the Wall coming down … one historical event I sorely regret having missed, I might add.
Have had several lives here in Seattle since settling in, including professional transitions as well as personal transitions. After many years of juggling a corporate career and my art calling, I finally settled into a full-time focus on my art in 2014 and haven’t looked back since. Feel immensely fortunate to be able to pursue my passion to the exclusion of other distractions. I am almost exclusively an abstract painter and paint in both acrylic and oil medium. I look to the abstract expressionists of the mid-1900’s for much of my inspiration – Grace Hartigan, the De Koonings (both Willem and Elaine), and Lee Krasner … to name a few.
Other influences not to be overlooked include Amy Sillman, Richard Diebenkorn, and Marc Chagall (just ADORE Chagall!) I’ve shown my work at several local galleries and in various special exhibits and juried shows. I was thrilled to join Fogue Studios and Gallery in Georgetown as one of the original members when the studio and gallery first opened. I’m very excited about continuing my journey with Fogue as we move into new space in West Seattle – Yay Patti!
When I’m not in my studio painting, you’ll find me out walking or hiking with my beloved Shiba Inu Riki, hitting one of the local waterways in my kayak, or snuggled on the sofa with a great wine enjoying a good book or a favorite old movie.