Born in Flagstaff, AZ, and raised in the central valley of California, Jean began painting while still in
Junior High. She minored in art in college but focused on earning her teaching credential. She taught in
San Francisco for several years.
After marriage and two children, Jean returned to painting, studying privately with teachers in the bay
area for years. Her love of color was the most striking thing about her work and still is the strongest
aspect of all of her still life, landscapes or abstract images. She says, “As I paint, the most amazing
process happens. I think I will paint an image from a photo I have taken and, as I begin, I find the image
on the canvas changing before my eyes. It is as if the image is embedded deep in the canvas and, as I
work the paint, the image comes into focus. I am as astonished as any observer as to how or where this
image came from. It happens over and over. Now I trust it and find I can abandon myself to this very
mystical experience”.
For years Jean also pursued her interest in spirituality and mysticism, earning a Masters Degree in
Consciousness Studies in 1983. This deep examination of her own spirit and passions contributed to the
shift that allowed herself to let go and let the creative spirit lead her in all aspects of her life.
“Painting and drawing, for me, is a wonderful spiritual experience. I mainly focus on the land or objects
especially dear to me. I don’t try to analyze what it all means. I refuse to do a ‘mind trip’ on the process
that serves me so well. I’m just grateful that I’m able to express this creative spirit. Each day I look forward
to being exposed to new learning, new awakenings and new images”.
Jean moved to Santa Fe six years ago and also enjoys working with her retired husband creating one of a
kind birdhouses. Ernie builds the birdhouses and Jean paints them, which gives her another outlet for
her creative spirit.
