For 30 years, I was a successful consultant. While I loved my work, it was all consuming, leaving me little time or energy for other endeavors. When I retired in 2005, I had no intention of starting another career. I just wanted to rediscover the artistic joys of my youth - singing, painting, sewing and pottery - so I could express the parts of myself that had been silent for so long. After packing our son off to college, we moved to Aurora, Colorado in September 2006 for a peaceful, less humid life amidst the inspiring majesty of the Rockies.

As I gave myself the great gift of self expression, something happened that I had not expected. Perhaps because others saw the joy of creativity on my face, they looked more closely at my art. They wanted to learn. They wanted to share. They even wanted to buy the works of pottery and fiber art that had become such a passion for me. So I founded dj's touch - becoming an entrepreneur by accident because I am an artist by design. 

 

I believe we are all born creative. When we were children, we loved nothing better than dancing in puddles, making mud pies, dabbling in "fashion" and painting our feelings and ideas across our world. We thought it was perfectly normal to express the full range of who we were.
 
Some of us, however, were lucky enough to have people in our lives who nurtured and encouraged that creativity. I am forever grateful to the teachers, family and friends who gave me the tools and freedom that allowed me to experiment and express myself. They are in my heart and my art always. These champions taught me to take limitations with a grain of salt. Chief among them:

 

My parents, John and Gladdie Wells, who encouraged my study of art and music right out of the birth canal. My grandmother, Grace Aust, who loved me to pieces. My grandmother Kathryn Wells whose indomitable spirit convinced me I could transcend anything.

My childhood buddies Sally Telfer, Shirley Macklin and Jody Hespenheide who embraced and celebrated my idiosyncrasies. Sally's mother, Mary Telfer, who taught me to question everything and think for myself.

Anne Marie Pettit and Richard Stanger - my role models and champions for creativity in consulting. My beloved pottery mentors Louis "Barry" MacHale III and Marianne McKee.  He taught me to respect tradition.  She taught me to break all the rules.
 
Pat and Bill Meyers - without whose friendship, encouragement and support I would never have made it through my first show and all that has followed. My dear friend Barbara Escher, without whom I still might not have a web presence.
 
My husband, Wilson Abney, who has had the love, courage and humor to take this journey with me. My loyal feline knitting companions Rem and Maggie who have taught me more about unconditional love than all the self-help books in the world.

And, last, but not least, Jim Heath who has shown extraordinary creativity and patience in helping to automate the ever expanding administrative and web management demands of dj's touch.

 

I hope you enjoy your visit to my site and that you will come back often to see what's new. I hope you find art that inspires you, and that you will share it with your friends and family. And, now and then, I hope you find something you like so much you want it to come live with you. Thank you for taking the time to visit with me.

Your life is your greatest creative work. Inspire yourself and those around you by living each day to the fullest. Welcome to dj's touch!