Here There Be Dragons

I am an artist. As a teenager, the camera became my constant companion—because seeing through the lens gave me a second sight—I could focus on and learn from my subjects… I continued discovering the world through art, specializing in both sculpture and photography.

Horses captured my heart from early on—one of my first words was horse (even though I was born in Brooklyn NY, far from horses and farms). I studied dance for years during my youth, but finally traded dance for horses. My teen years were spent caring for dear equine companions, brushing them for hours each day and riding trails in the Appalachian Mountains of northern New Jersey, where I was raised. 

In my twenties, having moved close to the ocean in Virginia Beach, Virginia, my soul was called to the sea. My paternal grandfather was a seafaring storyteller—and from my earlier days his tales entranced me. Grandpa was from Puerto Rico, and by the time he was a young teen, he was first mate on his family schooner. He would share his experiences of sailing the ocean, visiting faraway places, reading the stars at night, and the sun, currents, and landmarks during daylight. His narrative opened another world to me—I could envision the places he described. With my grandfather's blessing, I studied SCUBA diving, achieving several certifications. As an Advanced Open Water SCUBA Instructor I taught my students under the waves… My grandpa told me that if I respected the sea, I would never be harmed by her… 

I married a marine scientist professor, who like me loves animals and the sea. We began EquiSea Farms (Equisea means seahorse) in the early 2000’s, and over the years we raised and promoted world champion Royal Dutch Friesian Horses, and champion Arabian horses. Currently all but one of our equine kids is retired—living their best lives in pasture. We also have llamas, as pets. I have midwifed several equine and llama births, and all are family. They are also subjects of many of my sculptures and photographs. 

I am the granddaughter of a seafaring storyteller, and the ocean once again called me back to my inheritance—Riverine systems and oceans are suffering, as microplastics inundate the waters, and us. I cannot respect the sea by ignoring the damage—So I am pursuing a PhD and my research will reveal the pollution and inspire environmental change. 

I am a visual story teller. My photographic practice belongs with those creatives experimenting--evolving their work for the sake of narration, curiosity, and the pursuit of truth. I walk between the worlds of photography, art, science, and education, due to my academic training, career experiences, personal choices.

I study and photograph microplastic  pollution,  creating visual narrations that expose the dilemma. My project involves collaboration with environmental scientists.     

  There is emotional tension in my work as viewers are first attracted to beautiful art, only to find out that they are looking at horrific pollution.  

• PhD student, Enviro/Photo, 2024- Falmouth University, Cornwall UK
• MA Photography, 2023. Falmouth University, Cornwall UK.
• MAEd Museum Education, 1997. William & Mary, Williamsburg Virginia USA. 
• BA Fine Art, 1992. Virginia Wesleyan University, Norfolk-Virginia Beach Virginia USA. 
• AA Fine Art, 1991. Tidewater Community College,  Virginia Beach Virginia USA. 
• AAS Photography, 2021. Thomas Nelson Community College,  Hampton Virginia USA.