Eventually, real life took over, but I never gave up the need to paint, draw or just play with some form of creation. After some serious life altering events, I made a decision and I returned to school and this time took art design. From Art basic (Which I Aced!) and upwards, including a entire semester of Life Drawing where I was badgered by the teacher for not using dashes. (What can I say, I like curves, smooth lines, not little annoying dashes.) I found out later she picked on me so much, because she finally told me, once I had completed her course, that I had real talent. I was over the moon for days after that. 

During that time I found a job at an Art's Center in my city and picked brains, found assistance with the multitude of local artisans I met while I continued to take classes. I worked part time and was even encouraged to sketch and Ink at the front desk during those slow dragging hours, by those that had hired me. The pay was lousy, but the environment was electric, the gallery shows were always rotating and each new installation brought more knowledge and victim artist for me to shadow, bug and babble with. 

Eventually, I moved into the more commercial aspects of Computer Graphics and Web Design. After a short time, I landed a good job with a local IT company working on Web sites for Hotels, making banners, buttons and doing just about anything required. Even though I loved the job and the pay was wonderful, I found I was sliding back with the hands on creations. All my time was taken up with the work for that company. 

In early 2000 , due to a bad fall on a flight of stairs at the place I was working, I ended up with a shattered knee cap that even after surgery is still in very bad shape. According to my doctor, it can't be fixed at this time, but "maybe" they can in about 5 to 6 years. (Nice. . . NOT!), I finally reunited with my sketch pad, inks, paints and anything else I can think of to do. 

As in the past, it has been keeping me sane literally.
 
As I have been role playing both table and online for years, many of my friends and family have started nudging me in the direction of making my own web page and displaying just a small portion of all the character pictures and variety of images I have done, and since I have the time for the first time in over 3 years to do it, I have taken their suggestion. Hope everyone enjoys the whimsical and bizarre images that my odd little brain sees.

Now I want to thank everyone that has inspired, encouraged, flattered and badgered me, and also anyone that finds they like what they see. I just adore compliments! THANK YOU!

Genise E. Sheppard.
AKA Tallameia
One Chaotic Faery

Extra Thanks to the following "Special" people in my life: