My path as an artist was greatly influenced by my mother, Regi Kassel Yanich. She was an accomplished artist at a time when it was unusual for women artists to be taken seriously. She encouraged me to strive for authentic expression, encouraging me to pay attention to the negative spaces surrounding a subject. In other words, what we leave out is as important as what we focus on.
My mother's life was cut short when she was mortally injured in a car accident. I was 15 years old. Searching for equilibrium set me on a quest to understand life’s unquantifiable experiences. I still feel her presence in my life, and have come to believe that joy and resiliency are key to living a life that embraces wonder and delight. I strive to convey these feelings in my art.
I have been writing storybooks for several decades and am excited to share them with the world. I love the challenge of watercolor on paper after working in various 3D media (clay, glass, fiber, metal). Surrendering to the unpredictable flow of paint is an apt metaphor for being open to life’s challenges and unexpected delights.
I am a musician and vocalist, playing guitar and piano. I enjoy song-writing, and have been writing and singing protest songs during this challenging time in our country.
I embody Judaism's cultural and spiritual values of equality, empathy and social justice. I also resonate with connecting to the natural world, the seasons, and cycles of the moon.
I am committed to honoring my creativity in all its manifestations. Now that I'm retired from working for others, I’m blowing on the embers and ready to share my work with the world.