I was born in 1946 and raised in central Illinois. During my youth, I was lucky to be able to visit my parent's families each summer in two very small towns and had, in my opinion, free range over what I did. It was a great and unique experience that allowed my imagination to grow wild. I started to write and paint at a very early age and have been lucky to be able to continue my creativity my entire life. To do so has caused many difficulties at times, but I wouldn't trade a second of it. Being creative and being able to express myself in paintings, sculptures, and writing has made me a better person. I recommend creative freedom to everyone. I have a BS degree in English, an MA in sculpture, and an MFA in ceramics.