Art of Friendship

Since before I got back to painting in 2020, I have often taken photographs of women in my life who I admire. I enjoy capturing their essence through casual photography. Years ago I envisioned one day sitting down to begin using these photographs as inspiration for paintings. When I finally sat down to do this in 2013, I realized I actually didn't have the juice for it and that the photographs were the art in and of themselves.

Recently, I revisited those photographs and began composing written accompaniments to some of them. I've shared some below. This series of pics and words that I've called Beautiful Woman Portrait series, is ever growing, as I feel inspired to wax about my appreciation for each of these Goddess girlfriends. I look forward to rolling out many more of these as the mood strikes.

I don't know if they will mean anything to anyone unless you know the woman in the picture. Each of these women has been a muse for me, a meaningful soul sister who adds depth and richness to my life so it's my pleasure to celebrate her in this way! Enjoy!

I’ve had some beautiful friends in my charmed life and I’ve managed to get some pretty great portraits of many of them. This is one of my faves. I miss Kara Sorenson everyday and I do my best to celebrate every one of those days I'm blessed to keep living in a body.

Kayak adventure somewhere off of north Vancouver island.

Nuchatlitz, BC 2012

Quintessential Suse

Priest Lake, ID 2023

When Susan Filley starts peeling oranges you know something especially magical is about to happen.

Equal parts Wise Woman, Badass, Cheshire Cat and Heart Healer. I treasure her sweet sisterhood both in Spokane and Troncones.

Nancy in the Tchochkes

Manzanillo Bay 2018

If you know her, you know that Nancy Winarick is the last person who's into knick knacks but compositionally this was a portrait begging to happen when we wandered into the boutique after lunch one day. I couldn't resist. And it's a testimony to how she can be comfortable and curious outside her element! Another thing I love about her.

Nancy is one of those friends who turns up in your life and before you know it it's been 20 years and she's written a chapter in your heart. We’ve watched and witnessed a few of each others' hiccups and I've learned a bunch from the way she’s navigated her life, her art and her outlook. We’ve held each others' hands and hearts and i look forward to years of more of the same.

Nobody I know lives as sensually expressed. I love our creative synergy, our "old slipper" sisterhood, and the special way we remember our dearly missed slipper sis Wendy!

Divine Dazzle

Yaletown, Vancouver, BC

I love it when I capture a dear friend’s light!

When the divine Ms Penhall is in her most radiant moments, it’s dazzling! This mover and shaker can drop in as deep as the best conscious dancers out there, can be a mischevious trickster and can analyze a spread sheet with one hand tied behind her back!

I was blessed for her dance facilitator referral years ago that became a teaching contract lasting 15 years and profoundly helped me realize my dreams.

Thank you Gale for seeing my potential. You’re a gem of a woman and a friend.

Joy & Grace

Gabriola Island, BC July 2025

Few people as heart centric as this creature. Blessed to call her best of my besties.

Alison Rubin is a pollinator of joy and grace.

Lifetimes!

Casa Luciernaga 2018

Admittedly it's hard to get a bad shot of this enchantress. But I think this one is exceptionally sparkly.

Marcie Marie Spahi is the perfect storm of mischief, maternal, and mystique.

Her energy for creative expression seems boundless. And like me, she reinvents herself continuously.

We compare notes often, perhaps because we are born in the same year of the dragon so we’re simultaneously discovering this thing we call aging.

She's a dear ally in this and other regards.

Our friendship tends to happen in spurts. She loves to contribute generously and be of loving service with her gentle kind wisdom.

In her Enumclaw tiny home Summer 2024

Kara Mckay walked into a women’s circle I was “leading” in 2009. It was silly to think my life would ever be the same.

Extraordinary being through and through. But I’m kind of stating the obvious.

Besides her cosmic dancing big hearted presence, she gives a mean haircut at her very own barbershop in little old downtown Enumclaw, WA.

Deep feeling, boundlessly creative, quirky, playful, wise, super high integrity. Never far from being moved to tears.

Students are always our teachers, but not always also our cohorts. She was mine when I needed it most. Fairy Goddess daughter, soul mate sister, and spiritual playmate in this dance we call life.

I’ll never know how or why i’ve been blessed by 2 beautiful Karas in this lifetime, i just know that it’s way up there on my list for giving thanks this TG weekend.