I grew up in the country with my identical twin sister, younger sister and all kinds of animals. Our parents taught us how to make everything we needed from the functional to the whimsical by following the traditions of our ancestors. My Dad gave me his 1969 manual Pentax Film camera when I was a teenager and figuring out how to use it opened a mystical portal to another world of endless possibilities for me. Art of all kinds is magic to me because it provides an escape and a way to create my own reality. Fairy Tales, Folklore, History and the Pre-Raphaelite Arts are the big themes in my work. After working with Artifacts in Museums, I now create my own work inspired by my love of handmade pieces that hold deep significance for the people who create and cherish them.

I like to work in several art mediums to keep from getting burned out. I focus on photography, self-portrait photography, printmaking, painting, art dolls and fine beadwork jewelry. I'm mostly self taught and enjoy figuring how things work on my own though this is usually a long and trying process!

I love antiques and vintage clothing which I use to fashion the costumes and environments where the different characters I create can come alive. I live in an 100 plus year old Gothic Revival home with my dear family of 4 black cats who I rescued as feral kittens. They include Pascal Jean Paul Jean Paul, Tobias Greenmoss Lang, Sister Blackberry Bijou and Glastonbury Mister Baby. I love storytelling, swimming, naps and the color turquoise!

Best,
Merle Pace