About the Artist

About INA:

'Overcoming' with art

My desire is for my art to bring the peace, calm and enjoyment to the viewer that God has provided to me through painting. 

I consider my painting not as a natural talent but one developed from the desire, determination and patience given to me by God.

I suffer from several neurological rare diseases including blepharospasms where both eyes severely spasm shut.  I regularly have to hold one eye open with my fingers in order to see and then my vision is distorted and focus is difficult.  The spasms have moved down my face and affect both my speech and smile.  In addition, they compromise my concentration, coordination and ability to drive.  Needless to say, these conditions changed my life and future plans.  Depression and anxiety, which are side affects  of these conditions, plague me but when I pick up a paint brush I feel normal for a while. 

As a child, I never considered having any artistic ability but when I was in my early 20s, it was suggested I take tole painting classes to detail a refurnished antique coal bucket as a Christmas gift for my mother.  Since then painting has been an enjoyable thread from hobby, to teaching, to a total career in my 50s painting in homes on walls, floors and furniture as well as canvas.  Now in my 70s, it is my life preserver and peace.

I was raised in the Midwest but as an adult I lived in many different states, the longest being Southern California.  Most of my work experience was as a paralegal with over 40 years working with attorneys but my real career love was as a real estate agent.

I took a few college art classes in the early 1990s.  However, most of my art training has been through master tole painting teachers in 1976-1980 and more recently fine art classes and workshops live and online, from various distinguished artists including Larry DeGraff, Kelli Folsom, Elizabeth Robbins, Shanna Kunz,  John Pototschnik and John Lasater.  Not to be overlooked:   many hours of daily practice, trial and error, research and commitment to learning.