INTRODUCTION

My sister’s traumatic injury in the fall of 2015 and its aftermath were the catalysts for

creating my artist’s book The Garden. The book’s aesthetic grew from my practice as a

painter. The Garden’s images, stories and design evolved over the next seven years

culminating in its 2022 publication. During this time I explored possibilities for each

element as I worked to understand my family’s transformation in the wake of my

sister’s stroke by tunneling down the roots of our family tree. I sought out responses to

the book at different stages by giving public readings and talking to other artists,

writers, designers and publishers. Some engaged superficially or took me on detours.

The most cherished helped light the way adding a skip to my step. I also found a good

therapist and continue to speak with her each week. The metamorphosis of the form

and content of The Garden mirrors the changes in my understanding of my family and

how I see myself. I hope The Garden conveys the mystery of my parallel journeys.