Working with bits of painted, home made or found paper, small pencil sketches, quick gestural painting, scraps of lists and bright embroidery thread, I create pieces that are colorful and draw the curious eye. I pride myself on being a responsible mother, wife, daughter, teacher, counselor and employee. In my studio I can cut up. As an artist I make "ransom notes" where I say things without feeling I have to be responsible. It is tons of fun!

I find working in patches fits my expression and my life. During my studio time and when everyone is sleeping, I cut and sew the small works together to create a larger collage. The subjects most often reflect issues of time. The image of a coffee or tea cup emerges into the pieces and has come to symbolize moments of peaceful contemplation for me.

Once a chicken processing facility, my studio space is now filled with paintings, prints, books, and colorful objects. It embodies my interest in art history, the rural landscape, agriculture, housework, and motherhood. My muse and inspiration is the chicken.

Both local and national art galleries have shown my work. Back in the 1980s I earned BFA degrees in both fine art and art history at the University of Colorado, Boulder. In addition to painting and exhibiting, I am an art instructor, inspiring kids to take up their creativity and run with it.

E. Tilly Strauss