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06 Mar 2026
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I have found that inspiration usually stems from the desire to see on positive aspects of life, the beauty of nature and the kindness of humanity. Creating fun whimsical pieces that spark a smile or conjure up a sense of fun seems to be the best way to ward off the gloomy thoughts. Smiles are wonderful to share and when someone’s face lights as a reaction to something I’ve made that is the most inspiring thing for me! It’s those moments that are the most enjoyable and the most inspirational.
It’s funny because the little things throughout daily life will often spark new ideas first me. I might be out hiking and I notice an odd stick or tree root. I pick it up and my mind sees a creature sitting on it or popping its head around from behind it. Or it could be that I’m starting a project and suddenly I see a shape in the clay and I follow where that leads me soon I’ve met a newly created being that had once been hiding in the corner me of my mind. Folklore, Pop culture, science fiction also inspire me. I just love monsters, cute, creepy old and new… they have been with us throughout history and I’m intrigued by their stories and lore.
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What is something people might not know about you as an artist?
Hmmm?… what is something people might not know about me as an artist?!!! Well…. Because a lot of my art tends to be whimsical, bright and fun it’s my guess that most people would be surprised to learn that I also have a real love for creating dark, creepy, macabre and gloomy art. These are two starkly different sides to my creativity. I love delving into both of them. I’ve recently been exploring a bit more of those wicked creatures of nightmares maybe I will be doing even more of those in the future.
The most rewarding aspect of this creative journey has been the lovely people I’ve met. Whether it’s working with other artists or chatting with people at art events or art markets. There are really wonderful people out there. I love collaborating with other artists learning and sharing ideas and methods. Vending at art markets is so rewarding too!… seeing the faces on people as they see my work from afar is the best. Sometimes they walk up with curiosity and hesitation or even disbelief or sometimes they light up and become very animated and excited…sharing all of the varied reactions are so fun and rewarding for me to experience. Hearing their reactions, seeing their smiles or their grimaces having conversations about what they like or dislike is so fun and meaningful to me. Getting feedback on what they are seeing or how they are relating to something is so interesting and rewarding to me.
I grew up with Dayglo being prevalent in so many aspects of culture and pop art , design and advertising… black velvet posters that hung on walls … it was magical! I had no idea of the history of it or that paints were available.
Angela Oster changed all that! I met Angela Oster when she was having a pop up at Blue Arrow, a local record store. My husband and I happened to check out the store and she was there with her art. I loved her creations and I began following her on instagram.
Soon afterwards she had posted sculptures she had created for an art show at Waterloo arts. I loved her creations and I couldn’t wait to go see them. That show was the annual Dayglo Sho! I had not known about it until Angela had mentioned it. I remember walking in there.. it was all dark with only black lights Illuminating everything with that iconic and magical reaction! I was so over the moon, so thrilled.. seeing it all made me feel like a little kid. I was in awe! I think I leaped around with a huge smile giggling and loving everything. Amy Callahan was there … she was so nice… I was so bonkers over the Dayglo show. I could not help but ask about how to get involved in the show … was that even possible? I applied the following year and I was accepted! I’ve been very fortunate to have participated every year since then. So a big thank you to Angela. She not only led me to Dayglo but also to Waterloo arts!
Using Dayglo products has now become a big part of my creative process. I use it on just about everything I create. I’m hooked! It adds such a fun and surprising side to the pieces. I can’t resist using it.
I’m very proud that Dayglo is a Cleveland business with such a rich and longstanding history.
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