DIVINE POWER

When did you first discover the joy of creating?

I distinctly remember being given my first drawing pad and pencils at 12 years old. I spent high school sketching fashions when I should have been paying attention. I thought I’d like to be a fashion illustrator, but when I didn’t get into the one program to which I’d applied, I decided I probably wasn’t very good and hung up my pencil. At age 24 with two children, I found myself in a consciousness raising group and when I complained that at my ripe-old age I’d given up what I really loved doing, the stranger to my right set me straight. She suggested I stop complaining about it and just do it. I’d thought it was too late - at 24 - but was then inspired to start again. I think some teachers are critical and discourage young people who then walk away from their dreams. I started taking basic art classes locally and in New