I am a retired technical illustrator. I worked on drawing all sorts of things from textbook to maps to architectural drawings.
Now that I’m retired, I want to make myself available to kids so I can teach them the art skills that have been lost over time with the presence of technology, for example I teach print making, sculpting, paper making, book mining, air brushing, just to name a few. As technology evolves, young people have fewer chance to have access to hands on art materials. I love watching the faces of kids as they successfully learn a new skill that will help them express themselves artistically. Even if the kids don’t go into art of any kind, learning these skills teaches them to think creatively, and think out of the box and problem solve. Not all projects turn out perfect and this process teaches them to learn how to pivot, and even learn to cope with failure. I run these classes in my studio located right here in Mahwah! I also work with kids with disabilities, boy scouts, girl scouts, troops etc. I don’t run this as for-profit business; the cost of the classes simply helps me cover my supplies. I do this as an effort to not lose the skills I’ve learned that can’t be taught through technology. If anyone is interested in more information on what I offer they can request to join my private facebook group here.
I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to many interesting locations. Including the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland. I have gone dog sledding in the Arctic Circle and climbed mountains in Antarctica. I have been tornado chasing across the Midwest. I have plans to revisit Antarctica next year.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 3 adult daughters who live locally. I am a widow. My husband Dr. Michael Lippe (former director of Good Sam Hospital ER).
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a retired artist, I love to share my expertise of techniques and materials with young aspiring artists. I offer cool classes like graffiti, bleach painting on fabric, cyanotype (camera less photography), reverse tie-die and so many more.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Varka, Tandoor Bites, Jun Lung, El Azteca
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved here 30 years ago! We lived in Fardale and now in Cragmere. Two of my daughters went through the Mahwah school district. I’m so happy with the education my girls got here in Mahwah! My daughters made lifelong friends here! They are still close friends with all of their Mahwah school friends to this day!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Nick Uzeiri is a Mahwah dad who has been there for me as I transitioned homes years ago. His daughter and my daughter are bffs to this day!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go back to Iceland to see the volcano I’ve been there 5 times!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am a news junky but love true crime documentaries.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Try new things!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled to all my bucket list locations including Antarctica and the Arctic Circle
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Post Malone
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I have such fond memories of all the birthday cakes from Carvel and remember all the family birthdays we celebrated.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
All the houses…so many styles of architecture
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully I will be able to continue just what I am doing.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know I once held Top Secret military clearance because I worked as an illustrator at the Pentagon. I did a lot of top-secret stuff like draw fighter jet training manuals, and multisystem rocket launch systems! Not your typical girl drawings 🙂 but now I get to draw unicorns and butterflies with the kids.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Antarctica
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love the winter months and all the snow…the best days are the birthdays of my kids and 2 grandkids!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Family and good health are my 10/10
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The Jersey shore smells…all of them… ocean, salt, fish, funnel cakes, etc.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is where the heart is.
