As a  young girl I was encouraged by my sweet French artist Grandmother, Ella Fontenot' to draw and paint. Life has a way of distracting us and re-directing us from those things we cherished as youngsters. I have always had a love for creative activity, so after encouraging other artist for many years, I have found that I needed make the journey back to my own roots. I consider myself a young emerging artist. Throughout the years I have attended many art and museum events, seeing, examining and learning from those who have gone before me. What were they thinking when they painted this or what was this artist feeling? What am I feeling and haw does this artwork affect me, were some of those questions I asked as I studied.  Reaching for the pencil and the brush to express what I see, what I feel has been a blessing to me in this time of my life. It  has taken me out of a comfort zone and into areas I never thought I would experience again. As I try to express my joy or my sorrow,  I hope you like what you see.  Catherine ViAnn