How long have you been creating art?

"Forty-plus years."

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What inspires your artwork?

"Stopping and capturing a moment."

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What makes you happy as an artist?

"When the imagination becomes a reality and the final outcome works like you imagined."​

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What is the name of YOUR favorite artwork, and why do you love it? 
"Our Reflection From the Hot Air Balloon. As our balloon pilot flew over farms and mountains and then skimmed over a lake, I leaned over the side of the balloon and captured our reflection below. Getting the shot was beyond a thrill during our 50th wedding anniversary adventure!"

 

What is your favorite piece of artwork by another artist? Who is the artist and what is the name of the artwork? What do you like about it?

"Quite frankly, I don't have a favorite artist. We are blessed with so many."

 

How do you overcome creative blocks?

"Being in the presence and hearing experiences of women from Women Sharing Art, Inc."

 

What are you working on at the moment?

"Designing (in my head) how to present a photo for an exhibit at the Reboli Center."

 

What was your proudest moment as an artist?

"Founding Women Sharing Art, Inc in 2007."

 

What is your biggest challenge as an artist?

"Creating unique pieces."

 

What is the biggest mistake you made as an artist that turned into a great achievement?

"My first attempt at forming an art group failed but now look at Women Sharing Art Inc.!!!!!"

 

What advice would you give an artist who is just starting out?

"Feel free to try, feel free to express and don't worry what others think."

 

Are you involved in the local art community? If so, what do you like about it?

Members of Women Sharing Art are the most supportive and creative people I know. They truly "share energy & explore artistic passions" together."

 

Have you had a mentor or coach? If so, who is it and how did he/she/they help you?

"The late Gene Chuisano, who owned Oakdale-Bohemia Camera, helped bring me into the digital camera era. His patience and time was invaluable. And he introduced me to Victoria & Pat!" 

 

How has your art changed over time? Do you connect to your current artwork as much as your past artwork?

"I once encouraged someone to view a subject through a different lens: look behind you, try another angle, and take a chance. In the days of film, I did not have my own darkroom, so I spent considerable time and money ordering prints repeatedly until I achieved the result I wanted. Digital photography now gives us the freedom to edit, adjust, and create as we please—and I do."

 

When and where is your next exhibition? Or what are you working on now?

"Women Sharing Art, Inc be at the Reboli Center in Stony Brook in March with a multi-media exhibit called "The Flame Within Us" and then at the BAFFA Gallery in May with "Lyrical Musings". My photos will reflect the titles and are in the early stages of development."

 

What do you love most about being part of the BAFFA community/family?

"I am deeply proud to have served on BAFFA’s Board of Directors and later as co-president with Carole Sheppard in the early 2000s. In 2008, I secured a grant and donations from local businesses and patrons to renovate the Gallery at the Town of Islip’s Gillette House. Over the past two decades, we have continued to improve the Gallery, which has showcased hundreds of artists and student exhibitions from across Long Island. Few things are more rewarding than seeing students proudly share their work with friends and family, artists fulfill their dream of presenting a solo show, or groups celebrate the cohesion and creativity of a collaborative exhibition. This is what I love about BAFFA!"