Now, there have been a multitude of economic shifts since then. Paired with many moves across the country and becoming a mom, my art path hasn’t always been a smooth trajectory. I’ve had to maneuver and shift and regroup more times than I can count. But the skills learned along the way have been essential. Not only do I run my own art website and business, I have also opened a small seasonal bunkhouse art gallery where I sell my work and creations as well as the work of others. I made a long time dream come true and I couldn’t have done it without all the things I’ve learned over the years. I’ve had to strong-arm a lot of things into fruition because my circumstances never made anything smooth or easy. But I made it work.

Now, I did not do it alone. I’m not superhuman. I am married to a man I’ve known for most of my life. I’ve supported his endeavors and he’s supported mine. I also have a wonderfully supportive son and family members who might think I’m nuts but most of them accept me anyway. I am also lucky to have some of the best and most supportive friends and artist friends on the planet. I don’t think most of them realize what an inspiration or source of support they have all been to me over the years but I wouldn’t be here without them. All of these people have been foundational for me and I appreciate them all so much.

If you look through my galleries and shop you’ll also notice the variety of things I’ve dabble in. When I started it was just fantasy illustrations in watercolor on watercolor paper. I still definitely do those – that’s my first love and it always feels like home to go back. But over the years I’ve delved into working with acrylics, digital art (Not Ai…..ew….), woodworking, jewelry making, print production, liquid oils, coloured pencils, clay….you name it and I’ve had my hands in it – or thought about it! LOL! I’ve accumulated so many skills just from trying things out. Some of them have worked out and some of them have flopped. And some of the skills have translated beautifully between mediums and have helped me sew all of this together. I am always trying something new, always growing, always learning. You don’t learn skills by magic or birthright. They take work. They take drive and passion…..A willingness to WANT to elevate from drawing stickmen. It doesn’t just happen by chance and you’re not just born with talent, as so many may assume. Artists are some of the hardest working people I know – especially the ones with 20+ year careers because they’ve had to overcome A LOT to be able to stick around.

Ok, I’ve gone on long enough. I don’t know if it’s that I have a penchant for writing or that that my brain just doesn’t shut up sometimes. Either way…..I did the thing. Now I’ll include some maybe interesting tidbits about me below and that’ll be that. Bio complete. *Pats self on back*.

-I like tacos, flamingos, and cuss words.
-Shoe size is a US ladies 9…10 in flip flops because I don’t like my toes over the edge or even remotely close.
-I live in Canada. My husband is military so we’ve moved a few times.
-I HATE dry hands and feet. Dry sand and chalk will end me.
-My love for birds has exponentially increased with every rotation around the sun.
-I’m in my 40’s and now everything hurts.
-I love finding magic in all the big and small things.
-I love looking through Hot Wheels with my son and watching him light up when he finds a cool one.
-Boxers are my dog breed of choice. I just adore their personalities.
-Every time I do woodworking I think of my Grandfather and his wood shop.
-My morning coffee is EVERYTHING.
-Onions are the absolute worst.
-Cilantro tastes like soap
-Old cars and trucks make me happy
-Beach combing for treasures with my family is one of my favourite activities
-Earning a lap snuggle from a cat feels like winning the lottery