Bio

Craft, as you may know comes from the German word Kraft, meaning power or strength.  As Emerson said, the law is: “Do the thing, and you shall have the power. “–M.C. Richards

It took me a long time to come to the realization that it is okay to work in more than one medium at once and to apply more than one technique to one project. For some folks, this might sound like an odd or ridiculous way to think, but in one way and another, it had been drilled into my head that I had to concentrate, focus, and master one set of tools and strict methods in order for my work to have meaning for myself  and others, as well as, for it to be accepted as good. Consequently, I was stifled and could not figure out why. Most of the time, I dreaded being asked questions about myself and could not answer when people asked me “What do you do?” followed by “In what gallery do you exhibit?” I’d somehow answer, yet all the time thinking “I guess I’m not an artist because I’m not in a gallery”. Although I did sell my work.  So, I lived for years with the feeling that in order to be understood I had to fit into a defined box, because it can often be difficult for people to relate to an artist if they do not work in a single medium that is attached to one concrete method and don’t sell their work – i.e. sell it through acceptable channels. Now that I have put those thoughts and pre-conceived notions behind me,  I can enjoy living a creative lifestyle and not having one label that describes me.  Much to my delight and well-being, I was finally free from many constraints and begun to work with whatever materials and techniques enable me to express myself and bring meaning to my life. I had found my power.

I realize working at once in multiple mediums or fields or techniques may not be everyone else’s cup of tea – and that is okay. Because I have gone through this transformation I can now look at what I like to call the “big picture”.  I can more clearly embrace what it takes to be creative and the creative process. A major bonus is that I more truly appreciate artists for their work based upon their individual strengths and values. Which is wonderful for me and the inspiring and talented artists I have the pleasure to meet and work with as a creativity coach and in my workshops!

One of my favorite things to do, besides creating and being with my family, is to provide customized support for my clients as they examine the obstacles they encounter while going through their creative process and explore ways to alleviate their anxieties so they can create and present themselves with confidence.

I am continuously training in all aspects of coaching and the arts and developing workshops where my goal is to resonate with my clients. All in all, I am a good resource for my clients because I cull from everything I learn about creativity and mindfulness and uniquely share it in our sessions.

I grew up in Pennsylvania. After high school I moved to NYC where my older sister had already blazed a trail. I immediately figured out that my new found locale is a great place to learn about the arts and culture. So while I worked during the day, in the evenings I began studying in the awe-inspiring art studios at New York University and the School of Visual Arts and in the city’s many museums. I then graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Art History and Visual / Studio Arts. Originally, I practiced as a silversmith, and in sculpture, printmaking, and graphic art. Today, I utilize multiple tools that I’ve learned over the years to express my creativity. I live in Massachusetts with my husband and our two sons (and our dog  and cat) – all whom I adore!

I am a Member and Coach of the Creativity Coaching Association.

Visit my companion website jbvdesignstudio.com