About the Artist
Some of my earliest memories involve making art or crafts and sharing in the joy that amounted from giving my creations to others. I had a natural desire to make things whether it was in the garden, kitchen or the floor of my bedroom. I found refuge in my high school art classes thanks to an amazing mentor, Karen Lundin. I studied fine art at the University of Alberta as a minor, majoring in Education. Teaching art in elementary schools solidified beliefs about the importance of art and to keep my own creative inner-child spirit alive. However, throughout the years art played a minor role as I focused my career on health promotion, education and helping others heal. Thanks to many who have encouraged and helped bring me back to my art, I began to notice the importance of it as part of my own holistic well-being and how it has the power to connect, inspire and help others heal grief. I’ve been influenced by Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, Diane Ostoich and notably Emily Carr’s dedication to Indigenous peoples and nature. My work has exhibited in festivals, markets and through online fundraisers for mental health in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.
My Prairie Roots
West Coast Living
I’m currently living on Vancouver Island, and spend part time on a small, boat access only island, immersed in a forest. A shift in focus allows room in my career for creative process, therefore one can expect to see my work in galleries, online, at markets and partnered with important social-justice causes. I’m passionate about the impact of human behavior on ourselves and the planet, so my art details what I love about this gorgeous planet and where I desire to see changes. I tend to focus on the healing aspects of being connected to our natural environment, or highlighting special memories that customers share with me through custom orders. I use bold colors and textures with the intent of drawing the viewer into the piece as if they can feel the energy of being there; the smells, the light breeze, the sun on their face or the connection to an animal's sentience. Currently I am working on a line of hand painted upcycled clothing, to divert waste from the landfill and repurpose items in a unique wearable-art fashion. By 2025, my goal is to curate a collection, exhibiting it across Canada and even worldwide, partnering with local organizations such as animal justice, sexual assault prevention and mental health charities.