Jemez Fine Art

Born in Albuquerque, I grew up in California where I met and married artist Daniel Nowak. I attended California State University, Sacramento and received a BA in History, a Teaching Credential in Elementary Education, and a MA in Integrating the Arts into the Curriculum. I retired from Sacramento City Unified School District before moving to Bernalillo ten years ago.

My artistic foundation is deeply rooted in the traditions of Ansel Adams and black and white photography. Trained in the Zone System and the discipline of the darkroom, I learned photography at a time when patience, precision, and a deep understanding of light were essential to every image. Working with film required careful exposure and a sense of contrast — skills that continue to shape my visual style today.

Now equipped with a digital camera, I blend my knowledge of film with modern technology. While I have primarily embraced color and the convenience and flexibility of digital tools, my approach remains grounded in the timeless principles of the masters under the safelight of thoughtful composition, the balance of light and dark, a rich tonal range, and a respect for natural light.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary tools, I try to create images that feel both classic and current — photographs that are contemporary, while honoring the legacy of fine art black-and-white photography.

Artist Portfolio (Sample of work done by artist. Works may or may not be for sale or on display in gallery.)