About Page
Artist Statement
I own Calligraphica, a calligraphy and graphic design studio I've operated in Walla Walla for over 20 years. I create calligraphy as an interpretive art, enhancing and adding a new dimension to the words of others. . . poems and quotations that move me. Occasionally I use my own poetry as my text. I do a wide variety of work on commission-certificates, commemorative pieces, poems, greeting cards, monograms, logos, etc., for both private individuals and businesses.
I was raised in Portland Oregon, beginning my study of calligraphy in high school and continuing to develop my skills at many calligraphic workshops and classes in Oregon and California. My most influential teacher and mentor is Jenny Groat, of Lagunitas, California. I studied violin from childhood, and in addition to calligraphy, studied painting, drawing, design and ceramics through college, majoring in music and art.
In 1972 I opened a production pottery studio in Portland. I created both functional and decorative ware on commission and for sale in galleries. In 1976 I moved with my husband, sculptor Wayne Chabre, to Walla Walla, and continued to operate my pottery studio there. After the birth of our son in 1978, I began to concentrate more on graphic design and calligraphy, and now operate Calligraphica from our home.
I've exhibited pottery, drawings and calligraphy in solo and group shows throughout the NW. I've taught both ceramics and calligraphy, and have collaborated with my husband on several public art commissions in Oregon and Washington.