My love of the fiber arts began while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zaire over 25 years ago. My fascination with West African textiles led me to do a Masters of Science in Textile Design at Auburn University in 1982 where I learned to sew, weave, knit, bead, quilt and dye yarns and fabrics.

My training in fiber continued at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and through numerous other venues. I work improvisationally with no patterns, starting with a few choice fabrics and allowing my quilts to grow from these fabrics.

Throughout my artistic development, West African fabrics have remained my first love as they are bright, bold and portray lifestyles and cultures that are unknown in many parts of the world. Many of their commemorative fabrics can be used as teaching tools as they depict birthdays, anniversaries and specific events in their different countries.

Although my first quilt was produced in 1982, I didn’t start quilting full time until 2005.  I now quilt with a long arm sewing machine for others as well as take commissions and produce my own art quilts. I hope that my quilts express emotional and spiritual feelings where one would want to learn more about their content and that my quilts make others smile and think positively.