My father Willard Varley wisely advised his children to find something that would define them besides their chosen careers. His rationale was that sometime we would not have the job, and without another identity, we would be lost.

I took that advice to heart, and pursued art away from my long career as a teacher/school administra-tor.  I studied with various artists, and developed a love of depicting textured surfaces in watercolor.  My water-colors often depict non traditional views such as only a portion of a lighthouse or the shadows of flowers.  I enjoy painting rural and eastern N C landscapes with weathered buildings.

Bracelet of Silver & Turquoise

For years I hoarded beads inboxes.  My husband suggested that I make jewelry. Several classes later, I was hooked on beads! Color and texture are important parts of my designs. I have been studying metal work with local artists Janet Harriman and Audrey Brinson. Janet exposed me to the possi-bilities of Precious Metal Clay, and Audrey has helped me learn to work with silver.  I can see my work heading in a new direction! My jewelry is for sale at shops in several counties in eastern North Carolina. I teach beading classes locally.