I have always been in awe of the world's beauty. At the same time, I've been deeply affected by the chaos and suffering that sits by its side. It was no accident that I chose a first career in psychology as a way for me to confront this mystery called "life." In my therapy practice, artistic expression was a favorite tool with clients. Often, getting them involved creatively would touch the spirit, and pave the way for the best to surface.

After many years in the mental health field, I closed my counseling practice, took a leap of faith, and began working with my own creativity. I've experimented with several techniques and art forms. I deeply enjoy the cross-over and mixed media work. Collage particularly interests me with the use of many materials and textures. Digital collage and digital imaging leads to a parade of options….always a plus for me. There's also something powerful and defining for me in black and white images as well as vertical lines.

I have benefited from private instruction but more specifically the classes at Brookhaven School of Arts in Dallas, Texas have been very rewarding. The Taos Institute of Art, Taos, New Mexico has been a great place for support of my creative urges and a soothing place for spirit.

As observers, each of you may find something different in my work as you bring your history and experiences to the piece. Like it, dislike it, ignore it, or embrace it.....I think the dialogue is critical.

Lynda Rhodes 2005