ABOUT ME

I am a self-taught artist, which really means that I have been taught by many. I have always loved color, and loved to draw and paint as a child.  I have been, and continue to be, greatly inspired by my beautiful and talented sister, Marti Walton Schoen.  Marti (who is an amazing ceramic artist) taught me how to doodle and draw when I was a very young child and has continued to inspire me with her own art and encouragement every step of the way. I owe a great debt of gratitude to her and to my parents who always encouraged my abilities and gave me the confidence to continue. 

I started painting Buddha's when I got laid off from my full-time job as a school-based mental health provider in 2020.  In a world filled with so many challenges, I wanted to create a sense of peace, harmony and beauty. There is a practice in Buddhism of calling on the Buddhas and ancestors to help us.  This art, was my call. I brought these images into the world to help guide us to be ethical and upright; to be compassionate and patient; to do what is right - to move beyond our own immediate self-interest and fear. 

We are all reflections of each other, and everything that is, has been and will be. I find these images remind me of who I am and how I want to be in this world. 

I hope this work brings you peace and reminds you of your own strength and beauty.