I use natural and architectural settings equally, using a realistic approach to make the unreal more real. The larger pieces are painted with watercolors and oils, unlikely as it sounds. Inside Tarnished Images P resentation within my booths is as essential to my work as the matting and framing. I realized the importance of this with the purchase of my first building at the Kansas City Renaissance Faire in 1995. Within our shops we recreate the environment seen in my work, from decorative fabrics and furs, to the smells of fresh herbs and warm candles to quirky odds and ends that I collect throughout our travels to various Festivals.
People fall in love with the suspension of disbelief, and our living is based upon that axiom.
Our shop at the Colorado Renaissance Festival was my first booth started from the ground up. I am proud to say we only use Brian Kemkes as our booth designer, as his vision is in tune with mine. We have won awards for his designs and we will continue to build at faires that welcome me. Working 'live' at the fair I nteraction with patrons is an art in itself. I have found that most patrons do not know how the items they buy are made or even get to meet the artisan themselves.