My work with stone began as a spiritual journey back in 2004. Growing up, my parents allowed me much freedom to explore the woods and wild fields of Cornville and Athens both on foot and on horseback. I felt such a connection to nature, so at peace when I was alone in the woods or a field. My love of the outdoors continued into adulthood and on one spring day in 2004 as I walked my dog on a trail behind my house, I noticed a rock that seemed to call to me. It had a very distinct shape that echoed the silhouette of a human face. I ignored it at first and decided to pass by then spotted it again on my way back through the trail. I stopped, picked it up and brought it home. Later that evening I examined it and truly saw the features of a human face in the rock. I proceeded to set up my paints and painted the face I saw onto the stone. 

 

My first 'stone person' was quite crude, but it sparked what would become a 12-year spiritual connection with rocks. I began to travel the state of Maine hunting for more stones with facial features that I could bring to life with paint. Over the years I have strived to make the paint and stone blend in a way that creates the illusion of a three dimensional realistically humanoid 'being'. Many people have to touch my work to believe that it isn't carved stone. I enjoy being able to bring out the essence, the spirit of the stones I work with. It is wonderful and humbling to take something directly from nature and to accentuate its beauty so that others may cherish it. I feel very connected to the earth both when I paint and when I search the beaches and woods of Maine for the stones. I collect only the stones that call to me, trusting my gut instinct.