Art adds value to our lives through the joy and satisfaction we get from making it, sharing it, and viewing it. It builds connections between people and with our natural surroundings.
My Journey
Art is an accessible and joyous part of life and at its best when not made
too precious or exclusive.
I started doing art at around age 15 while attending Claremont High School in California which had a very progressive art program. I went on to Long Beach State University to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After a lot of living, including having children and moving to Washington, I completed my B.F.A. in drawing and painting at the U.W. in 1989.
​
​During my career, among other things, I worked as a training manager which allowed for lots of creative expression through training design and making videos. I obtained my M.Ed. while working. After 20+ years in the private sector, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and worked at Skagit Valley College and at several high schools in the Skagit Valley. Primarily, I helped high schoolers and young adults with scholarships, student loans, and developing job search skills. I finished my professional life doing corporate contract training which was also creative and fun.
​
I come from a family of artists. My grandmother Margit Mindrum was a painter, and one of my sons, Benjamin Lowman also has a B.F.A and is involved in creative work. I've always done art of some kind and have attended many art workshops and open studios doing pastels, figure drawing, watercolors and printmaking. I also express my artistic energy through my garden and my home. But my art was always on the back burner relative to raising two sons, having a professional career, and doing volunteer work. My art has been a very special but always private part of my life.
​
​Now that I'm retired, I can devote much more time to my art, and I have decided to share it more. I now have a lovely studio in my home and I'm doing acrylic paintings, monotypes on my press, and mixed media work. I love the outdoors, nature and color and my art helps me appreciate them even more. I especially tend to focus on light on water. My art is a source of great pleasure to me as well as a challenge.
​
​I currently live in Anacortes and serve on the Anacortes Arts Festival Board of Directors as well as other volunteer positions.