Horseshoes tell stories of strength, leadership, courage, generosity, freedom,
inspiration and character. The story of a great teacher, companion, champion,
or even a best friend that has transformed the life of any rider…of any person.

I was searching for a way to continue telling this story to others, while finding
a way to honor these amazing animals, and so, my artwork was created. It
was a very organic and almost innocent process. I attended an equestrian
workshop where I was asked to bring something symbolic and meaningful. I
created what would become my equestrian artwork and my journey began.

The main materials I use are semi-precious stones, minerals and woods from
around the world. For me, these natural materials represent beauty, grace,
strength, the passage of time and being one with the Earth. The materials also
have a story, and journey they have taken.

I only use reclaimed shoes or a used shoe from an owner. A used shoe holds
the energy, spirit and distinct personality of the horse while allowing the stones
to have a backdrop of rustic character. Each shoe is individually cleaned,
picked and scrubbed to remove most barn debris and rust. Stones, wood and
silver are then carefully selected to match each shape of the shoe and the
design process begins.

My work also is inspired by my domestic and international travels, the colors I
see, and how each place makes me feel. I love lush green pastures, meandering
rivers and streams, snow capped mountains, open fields filled with horses, and
the warmth of the dessert.

My love for art came at an early age from my grandfather. He was a
professional photographer and I remember our outings to the Art Institute of
Chicago. I was in awe of the beauty that surrounded me. I was always drawn
to Claude Monet and how he used colors and light and his interpretation of his
surroundings. I would go home and try to duplicate his paintings. I also admired
the photography of Ansel Adams. My grandfather put a camera in my hands
early on and we would spend hours at the Morton Arboretum. I learned to love
and appreciate nature in a new way. I attended floral design school in Chicago
and learned more about composition, color and the pairing of natural materials.

My love, respect and childhood memories for horses, greatly inspires my art.
As most young girls, I was memorized by these animals. On Sunday afternoons,
at nine years old, I would ride in the back seat of my father’s car while he looked
for property. He saw land, I saw the horses. On Palomino Drive, people actually
lived with their horses in the backyard. I would wait with anticipation to write all of
this in my journal and how someday, I too, would have a horse in my backyard.
Just 33 years later, my 5-year-old daughter was drawn in and I could see with a
different set of eyes and experiences why young girls love these horses, and why
the horses love them back.

My artwork is a way to honor a current or past riding partner and also a way
to give back. A portion of all sales are donated to various horse rescue farms
throughout the country. Each year nearly 100,000 horses go to auction and then
to slaughter. Their meat is shipped to Asia and Europe for human consumption.
Horse rescue farms attend auctions and nurse the sick horses back to health
and provide rehabilitation while finding them a good home.

I enjoy the time spent with family and friends, the love and support from
my husband and daughter, everything Italian, birds singing, the mountains,
fireplaces, my daughter’s laugh, all things chocolate, the first snow, romantic
comedies and happy endings.