40” x 24” woven wool tapestry

So often Americans travel to Central or South America to purchase rugs that are pretty never thinking about the people who actually make them, never thinking about what the designs mean.

This piece is the first of a triptych inspired by a photo taken by Julie LeDuc in 2019. The photo shows the drowned bodies of Óscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his 23-month-old daughter, Valeria—drowned while trying to cross the Rio Grande River. Their long arduous journey from El Salvador to a better life ended on the garbage strewn banks of a raging river.

This rug design contains simplified design elements of the father’s bare legs and the child’s red short. I hope the stories of this family and other people forced from their homes will not be forgotten.

40” x 24” woven wool tapestry

So often Americans travel to Central or South America to purchase rugs that are pretty never thinking about the people who actually make them, never thinking about what the designs mean.

This piece is the second of a triptych inspired by a photo taken by Julie LeDuc in 2019. The photo shows the bodies of Óscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his 23-month-old daughter, Valeria—drowned while trying to cross the Rio Grande River. Their long arduous journey from El Salvador to a better life ended on the garbage strewn banks of a raging river.

This weaving in an abstract of the bodies in the roiling water. I hope the stories of this family and other people forced from their homes will not be forgotten.

40” x 24” woven wool tapestry

So often Americans travel to Central or South America to purchase rugs that are pretty never thinking about the people who actually make them, never thinking about what the designs mean.

This piece is the third of a triptych inspired by a photo taken by Julie LeDuc in 2019. The photo shows the bodies of Óscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his 23-month-old daughter, Valeria—drowned while trying to cross the Rio Grande River. Their long arduous journey from El Salvador to a better life ended on the garbage strewn banks of a raging river.

This weaving shows the reality, the sorrow of the dead father, his little child tucked under his shirt, as they were found floating in the weeds and garbage. I hope the stories of this family and other people forced from their homes will not be forgotten.

36” x 48”, crocheted tapestry, wool & cotton, 2021

This Irish legend tells of the Salmon of Knowledge. The salmon swallows the hazelnut of knowledge and, if the salmon can be caught and eaten, the person will gain all the knowledge of the world. What a hopeful story (unlike others that punish the seekers of knowledge).

72"x83", crocheted wool, wrapping, beading, 1999

Driving across Iowa one summer, our family discussed the awesome power of tornadoes. It eventually led to the topic of mortality and, consequently, the legends of people who didn’t die. I remembered the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and how she was given the gift of being "assumed" into heaven instead of death.

In my mind, I saw her as a hardworking Midwest farmwoman, a real woman, with wide hips and a belly indicative of her motherhood. I saw her skin browned from outdoor work and hair whipped about by the winds. And when the sky darkens, she raises her thin strong arms and faces the heavens. She is lifted into the multi-colored hands of the angels as they reach for her and caress her into the clouds

14”x30”, crocheted wool and novelty yarn, 2019

Inspired by designs from Oaxaca, Mexico, ancient Peruvian textiles, and the fact that my family are avid fisher people, I designed this tapestry. Fish are an ancient symbol of knowledge, fertility, food and wealth.

51" x 40", wool/metallic thread, 1987

The first time I left my son for a few days, needless to say, I was fearful. But I found this god. She is strong enough to push lava away and conquer evil, yet brown and warm like the earth to gently cradle my son, Owen. She's like the maternal image of the Aztec goddess, Coatlicue, with a serpent skirt, her foot on the tail of the serpent and the erupting volcano behind her. She has power over both the serpent and the earth.

87” x 23” wool/linen/rayon, 1986

In this Celtic legend, Angus Og Dagda dreams of a woman who appears to him every night for a year. When the dreams end, he is heart-broken. The druid seers, tell him that she’s been enchanted; destined to be a swan one year and human the next for the rest of her life, unless she can find her true love. He then searches the world until he finds her then turns himself into a swan, thus proving his love. Angus Og was known as the god of lovers, shown with birds around his head.

70” x 90,” crocheted wool tapestry, 1979

This is one of early my works based on the ancient Celtic stories from Lady Gregory’s collection, “Cuchulain of Muirthemne” and W.B. Yeats poem, “Cuchulain’s Fight with the Sea.” I crocheted words around the border to illustrate the beauty and poignancy of the words the writer used of this sad event.

When Cuchulain kills a young man in battle, he discovers this young man to be his own son—sent by Aoife, the boy’s mother and Cuchulain’s former love. Cuchulain cries out in grief and anger, “I am the father that has killed his own son, the branch of my tree! There is no hand or shelter to help me!” So, the druids, afraid of his great strength, put an enchantment on Cuchulain to fight the ocean for three days and three nights. He is shown, as Yeats described him, "fighting the horses of the sea".

15.5” x 19.5”, acrylic on Oaxacan amate paper, 2007

Celtic Bridget and Aztec Chantico have many similar characteristics . They are the goddesses of home and hearth, fire (or a flaming cactus spike) rise from their heads. They have control of metal, such as the iron anvil she sits on. And is deeply knowledge , symbolized by the feathered serpent.

14” x 18”, acrylic on amate paper, 2021

Ometeotl is show here split into the male/female of the first couple. Ometeotl is the source of life, not opposite but the equilibrium of Duality. The god lives on the highest (13th) level of the heavens. (Note the 13 steps. The symbols to the right and left are the numbers 0 and 1, the binary system.

24”x20”, acrylic, marker, thread, and paper on canvas, 2008

Though I have a Mexican name, I did not grow up speaking Spanish. In the summer of 2008, I went to Oaxaca to study Spanish, weaving, and the arts and culture of that amazing region. I realized that my Mexican heritage, my American life and my various travels through the world have all become part of my heart and creativity. To me, the skeleton is s symbol of rebirth and a remembrance to live fully in the present.

30”x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2011

When I taught high school, I hated the over-emphasis on testing. Children were made to feel successful and accepted only when they passed mindless tests. The tests did nothing to foster creativity and self-reflection, keys to American ingenuity and compassion. Students’ passion and enjoyment of learning was squeezed out of them. I painted this for them and the forgotten child in all of us. May it also serve as a reminder of the joy we feel when we are immersed in our own creative inquiry.

28”x40”, acrylic on canvas, 2012

Teachers can’t educate kids by themselves. They must have the support of parents and the community. The media must also stop dismantling the wall of that support. Teachers approach each day facing endless federal, state, and local regulations. These are written by non-educators and often are in conflict with each other. Nonetheless, teachers are required to follow these rules. And still, teachers find a way to maintain their passion to teach. How else can the acorns of knowledge take root? All this balancing may look effortless. Trust me, it’s not.

16”x 21 ½”, acylic on paper, 2008

One of my favorite Irish legends is about the Salmon of Knowledge. It is said that below the sea there is a magic well. On the banks of this well are nine hazelnut trees of knowledge. Once every thousand years or so, the blossoms from these trees break at the same time and the nuts fall into the water. Five salmon are waiting to eat the nuts. If a salmon can be caught, the person who eats it would have all wisdom and poetry. It’s so different from the Christian mythology that I was raised with, which punishes humankind for seeking knowledge. In this legend, knowledge is rewarded.

18” x 24” (diptych), acrylic, watercolor, tracing paper on Crescent board, 2020

I did many sketches of my children when they were young as they played Irish music or did Irish step dancing. The groups that they played with were thrilling to watch. My son doesn’t play anymore but he’s passed on the love of Irish music to his daughters. I am so proud that they have never lost their love of music.

Diigital print, 2016

This ancient Norman castle still stands on the shores of the little village of Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, Ireland—the birthplace of my husband’s grandmother, Bridie Segerson.

Ballinskelligs was established by the Christian monks who inhabited the the Skellig islands (approx. 7 miles from the mainland) for many centuries before leaving it for good sometime in the 8th century.

Digital print, 2017

Years ago, there were more flower stalls on Grafton Street. There were only two on my last visit. This was the prettiest and most profuse.

Just up the street was a school group performing traditional Irish music. Down the block was a group from South America performing with traditional pan pipes and a solo singer with her small amp was singing her heart out to an appreciative crowd with what appeared to be her own songs.

What great fun to experience all this.

11” x 14”, digital print, Taipei, Taiwan, 2018

This was my first trip to China where I learned the difference between Taiwain (an independent country), Hong Kong (an one time under British control and now transferred back to China), and Guangzhou, mainland China.

I was so impressed with the beauty of Taiwan and the safety of the subway system. Some day I hope to go back and attend the night market.

11” x 14”, digital print, Pompeii, Italy, 2018

I never visited Pompeii in any of my previous travels to Italy. The place is MASSIVE, the architecture striking, and the heat oppressive. I saw all the typical tourist locations, but I was also struck by, what probably were, the everyday views of the homes. I could imagine the people gathering water from the wells and enjoying a quiet time in the gardens. That is what I was trying to capture with this shot.

11”x17” digital print, 2016

In the spring of 2016, I found myself alone for the day in Dusseldorf. I wandered the banks of the Rhine river, visited museums, and walked along the Königsalle (King’s Hall) where all the fancy galleries and clothing stores are. What a great city.

11” x 14”, Sacsayhuaman, Cusco, Peru, 2011

Sacsayhuaman is an archeological site above the city of Pre-Columbian city of Cusco. The walls, built without metal tools, have survived hundreds of years of earthquakes. The stones fit so tightly together, it’s said that one can’t even fit a sheet of paper between.

11” x 14”, digital print, 2011

The Inca created walls that are so beautiful and smoothly planed (without metal tools). They also fit so tightly together that a piece of paper cannot be slid between the stones. They are also incredibly strong, surviving hundreds of years of earthquakes and Spanish effort to dismantle them.

11”x 17”, digital print, 2021

My son and daughter-in-law love to take the family to local historic sites especially when there is good hiking nearby. Berg Eltz is a castle that is still occupied by its original owners. The photo was originally in color with a bright blue sky and clear white walls. But I thought the black and white photo lent a mysterious, historic quality.

Digital print, 2004

In 2004, I went to Oaxaca, Mexico—the first time I spent any extensive time in the country of my grandparents. I went there with a school group to study art, architecture, the history and culture of this wonderful place.

One day, after a brief rain shower, I was walking past a church when this flower caught my attention. The contrast of glistening drops and bright white against the dark walls called out to me. It’s still one of my favorite photos.

11” x 14”, digital print, 2017

On a flight from Reykyavik, Iceland back to the State, we flew over Greenland. It’s heart-breaking to see the blue-green water of the melting glacier.

11”x 14” Digital Print, 2006

One of the most amazing and well-preserved examples of a Mesoamerican ball court is found in Monte Alban, the archeological site above the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s the first thing you see before entering the grand plaza.

11”x 14” Digital Print, 2006

On my first trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, I met the Gomez sisters of Teotitlan del Valle. They are expert traditional weavers known for their accuracy, speed and striking colors. How they can kneel on the hard concrete ground hour after hour, I will never know.

11”x 14” Digital Print, 2008

I met this wonderful woman in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico. Her sons and grandchildren are expert weavers using wool from their sheep, hand-carded, spun, and still dyed with natural herbs, soil, and cochineal (a worm found only on native cactus). After welcoming me (in Zapotec) to her home, she sat down next to her spinning wheel to card her daily allotment. Her grandson said that they’ve told her she doesn’t have to do this work anymore. Her response, “I must earn my keep.”

11”x 14” Digital Photograph, 2008

A few miles from the city of Oaxaca, is the archeological site of Mitla (Nahuatl for Mictlá--“place of the dead”). This religious site of the Zapotec people is high in the mountains surrounded by clouds, explaining their other name The Cloud People. The complex designs of the brick walls still serve as inspiration for generations of artists and weavers.

11”x 14” Digital Print, 2011

This huasca (pyramid) is practically in the center of Lima, Peru. Surrounded by highways and high rises, archeological discoveries of the native people can still be found.

11”x 14” Digital Photograph, 2011

While walking around the Incan city Cusco, I came across these beautiful tiles, possibly handmade. At 3,400 meters above sea level, this city, once the Incan capital, is now a World Heritage site. It’s a fascinating mixture of ancient streets and modern culture. (I found and enjoyed drinks at the “highest” Irish bar in the world)..

11”x 14” Digital Photograph, 2011

Sacsayhuaman is a most amazing Incan temple above the city of Cusco. The smooth stones of these walls were carved without metal tools and fit so tightly together that a sheet of paper cannot fit between. The wide bases and pyramid shaped windows have survived hundreds of years of earthquakes.

14” x 19” B & W, Digital Photograph, 2020

My mother had always wanted my siblings and I to share her house when she died, but my older sister thought differently. It took 10 years of lawsuits before my sister turned over the keys. She left it in a deplorable condition—leaking roof, rats in the back yard. This is one of a series.

11” x 14”, digital print, 2015

The Rundetaarn (round tower) is a 17th century tower in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was built as an astronomical observatory and used until the 19th century. The walkway is actually a helical corridor, called an equestrian staircase. Once used by Peter the Great who rode up on horseback and reportedly followed by his wife, Catherine I, in a carriage. Off the walkway, there is a small chapel, contemporary galleries and a coffee shop. What a cool place to visit.

11” x 14”, digital print, 2016

The bench and flowers were located at the original Source for Evian water. The small fountain is free to locals. While there I saw a number of people come to fill their jugs.

11” x 14”, digital print, 2021

In Lawless Park, southwestern Michigan, is a great place to see native holly plants. Its red berries are so beautiful against the dying winter leaves.

10”x8” Digital Print, 2021

While hiking in Lawless Park this past fall, I spied this hawk feather. It must’ve just floated down onto a tree stump. I didn’t move it one inch, just snapped the photo.

8”x10” Digital Print, 2018

In early spring, fog comes often to the area around our little lake in Michigan. The Redbud against the light green grass is a soft, gentle contrast to the grey fog.

8”x10” Digital Print, 2019

There’s always something interesting to see when hiking in Lawless Park, the county park in southwestern Michigan. On the edge of a small lake, we saw this aluminum canoe, a Sea Nymph, sunk into the muck and mud along the shore. How long it had been there, I don’t know, but green moss and weeds were thick in the bottom.

22” x 18” x 18”, crocheted sculpture, Dum-dum wrappers, cotton on wicker head, 2011

In the summer of 2010, I was illegally fired from my position teaching art at a Chicago Public high school. I refused to be blind to the abuses of a educational system that continues to be increasingly guided by corporate concerns, insensitive to what these abuses do and continue to do to our children. I refused to be a dum-dum. This sculpture shows my eyes falling from my head, my heart torn from my body.

24”x18”x18”, crocheted cotton brain, film strips, mixed media, and boxes, 2011

What do teachers do with students who will not conform? Do they discourage them and try to shove their souls into little boxes? Or do they encourage the creativity of these people? Some brains are overloaded with ideas, colors, thoughts, and emotions that do not allow them to conform to everyday standards. I loved teaching those kids.