Biography
August 26, 1993, my thirty-second wedding anniversary, I walked out of my
Lake Michigan home of twenty-two years, my budding pottery business, my family,
friends and acquaintances and, with my husband, climbed into a thirty foot
motor-home to begin a ten year odyssey across the U. S.
On the way, I learned to paint the things I saw.
I was fifty-two.
August 27, 1998, my husband, my brothers and I, personally built our home/studio
in the middle of Michigan cornfields. I learned to paint the things I can’t see.
I was fifty-seven.
In 2003 my husband and I gave up that dependable old motor home and found
new ways to continue our adventure by spending less time on the road and more
time in out of the way and not so out of the way places. And through all of
these travels I was able to study color, form, mountains, rivers, valleys,
ancient art and modern art, good art and not quite so good art, in
museums and galleries on my own and with groups.
I evolved into a Contemporary Intuitive Artist.
My mentor and teacher challenged me to go beyond what I could see and
to paint what I know. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt,
sister, and female friend. I know what it is to be a woman.
Through my art, I have allowed myself to bring to consciousness
the feminine experience mythologically, personally, politically and spiritually.
Within this journey of discovery, I have learned to belly dance, to do
Taoist Tai Chi, to participate in the 1st electronic Art Contest held for the
world and to drum,all because I let go and embraced the unknown. To create,
to build, to let go, to dance, to drum, to believe in the value of myself as
a woman and to share the experience.
All the while growing up as a child I thought men were the great adventurers,
the cowboys and heroes. As one of the elders now I know that the truly great adventures
are left to women. We are the creators and healers of life, of death and of new life.
It is ours to find joy and to share the experience.
I’ve been married to the same man for 54 years. He has endured several
chronic illnesses since 1973. We raised 3 children, enjoy 8 grandchildren ,
laugh, when possible, at the wear and tear of age.
We’ve learned to keep life simple and relish what is.
* * * * *
I am an active member of the Ionia Art Club and ISEA. I have been a member of the Mid Mich. Artist Guild, and the Clinton County Arts Council
In the 80”s and 90’s I was a member of the Holland Area Arts Council and taught
clay classes for the council, the Holland Community Education Center
and Evergreen Commons Adult Day Care.
In keeping it Not so simple I have recently opened an Art Gallery called the Isabelle Phoenix Gallery. in honor of my great
grandmother Isabelle Phoenix Ryman. The Gallery is located at 342 W. Main St. Ionia, MI 48846. Another adventure
begins. I am 74.
Lake Michigan home of twenty-two years, my budding pottery business, my family,
friends and acquaintances and, with my husband, climbed into a thirty foot
motor-home to begin a ten year odyssey across the U. S.
On the way, I learned to paint the things I saw.
I was fifty-two.
August 27, 1998, my husband, my brothers and I, personally built our home/studio
in the middle of Michigan cornfields. I learned to paint the things I can’t see.
I was fifty-seven.
In 2003 my husband and I gave up that dependable old motor home and found
new ways to continue our adventure by spending less time on the road and more
time in out of the way and not so out of the way places. And through all of
these travels I was able to study color, form, mountains, rivers, valleys,
ancient art and modern art, good art and not quite so good art, in
museums and galleries on my own and with groups.
I evolved into a Contemporary Intuitive Artist.
My mentor and teacher challenged me to go beyond what I could see and
to paint what I know. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt,
sister, and female friend. I know what it is to be a woman.
Through my art, I have allowed myself to bring to consciousness
the feminine experience mythologically, personally, politically and spiritually.
Within this journey of discovery, I have learned to belly dance, to do
Taoist Tai Chi, to participate in the 1st electronic Art Contest held for the
world and to drum,all because I let go and embraced the unknown. To create,
to build, to let go, to dance, to drum, to believe in the value of myself as
a woman and to share the experience.
All the while growing up as a child I thought men were the great adventurers,
the cowboys and heroes. As one of the elders now I know that the truly great adventures
are left to women. We are the creators and healers of life, of death and of new life.
It is ours to find joy and to share the experience.
I’ve been married to the same man for 54 years. He has endured several
chronic illnesses since 1973. We raised 3 children, enjoy 8 grandchildren ,
laugh, when possible, at the wear and tear of age.
We’ve learned to keep life simple and relish what is.
* * * * *
I am an active member of the Ionia Art Club and ISEA. I have been a member of the Mid Mich. Artist Guild, and the Clinton County Arts Council
In the 80”s and 90’s I was a member of the Holland Area Arts Council and taught
clay classes for the council, the Holland Community Education Center
and Evergreen Commons Adult Day Care.
In keeping it Not so simple I have recently opened an Art Gallery called the Isabelle Phoenix Gallery. in honor of my great
grandmother Isabelle Phoenix Ryman. The Gallery is located at 342 W. Main St. Ionia, MI 48846. Another adventure
begins. I am 74.