First and foremost, I am a wife and a mom.  My husband has always been super supportive of my hobbies and even shares my passion for nature (actually maybe more so).  I enjoy teaching my kids drawing techniques and having special "art time" together.  It's been a journey, and it's been amazing!

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Have you ever been so lost in something that you're doing that the world around you melts away?  Give me some headphones, something to draw with, a subject and don't forget the Starbucks and I can get lost in the world of wildlife for hours. My art journey has been a long one, but one I wouldn’t change anything about.  Let me take you for a walk.

 

                                                 Born in Nevada in 1984, I developed a passion for art and wildlife at a very                                                   young age.  Growing up in an artistically creative family, my inspiration                                                       was never lacking.  I remember watching my oldest sister draw and feeling                                                   a deep inspiration to do the same.  My mother would purchase reams of                                                         paper so I could sit and doodle for hours, often encouraging me to keep                                                         trying when I would get frustrated or discouraged. My Dad would take me                                                   on fishing and camping adventures in the Nevada mountains, giving me                                                       experiences with nature that help my inspiration today. 

 

                                                 As a young child, I remember visiting an animal reserve of a family friend                                                     where I could experience wildlife up close.  My most treasured memory                                                       was getting to touch the back of a mountain lion.  The power and beauty of                                                   the animal still amazes me today.  I was able to interact with emus, raccoons, bears and other wildlife at this farm, some of which were receiving rehabilitation for various reasons. 

 

Just outside my childhood town you will find a rare perennial lake of the Great

Basin. Walker Lake is a historical landmark in the area, rich with native Paiute

tribe legends, and a large part of the historical events of the surrounding areas.

Over the course of history, water claim disputes and diversions have caused a

significant decrease in water levels, leaving the lake uninhabitable to native fish

and wildlife. As part of the ongoing conservation efforts, the Mineral County

Elementary School participated in the 1994 “Save Walker Lake” Poster Contest. 

Although my submission may have only received a Certificate of Appreciation,

it was a big accomplishment in my journey as an artist. 

 

At the age of 12, I relocated to Washington State. Having lived in a desert, filled with miles of sagebrush and rugged mountain ranges, the lush green landscape of the Pacific Northwest was a completely new adventure. 

 

As with any big change, it took some time for me to find my footing, however my art was always an outlet no matter what the circumstances. Throughout my middle school years, my art was that special hobby between the normal activities of a young teenager.

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Attending a small high school, the extracurricular activities were limited.  I was lucky to have an art teacher that recognized my passion and did everything in her power to help cultivate my growth as an artist. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Freshman year, the middle and high schools combined buildings.  As a special assignment my Junior year, I was asked to create a temporary logo showcasing both mascots in an attempt to help with the unification of the schools. Although my design is not used today, it was showcased in the school paper and yearbooks of 2001 and 2002.

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Always having the dream of my art being recognized, it was an important moment for me as a young artist.  It was that extra push I needed to gain enough confidence to show my work, giving me more motivation to push myself to learn new techniques and styles. 

 

In 2001, my work was accepted into the 10th Annual Best of High

School Oregon Art Show at Portland State University.  Being one

of two artists chosen from my school to be represented at a State

Art Show was significant for our small community. 

 

“The Gift” was the piece chosen for the exhibit. Inspired by the

iconic Christmas morning puppy from Santa, this colored pencil

drawing still hangs on my Mother’s wall. 

 

The reflection of the dog's face on the floor was one of those

artistic “accidents” that can sometimes bring an entire piece

together.  It wasn’t until I sat back from the drawing, that I realized I had subconsciously created an illusion that the dog rested on a perfectly shining wooden floor.

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My college years took me down an unexpected path.  Starting out as an art major, I made the decision to switch to Accounting in my second term.  I found that my art was more enjoyable and productive as a pastime, and I wanted to preserve the sense of tranquility it provided. I also deviated from my usual subjects, and created a few pieces far different than anything I had done before. 
 

                                                                                My experience with drawing people was at times very                                                                                    frustrating, but it helped develop skills that I could take                                                                                  with me as I continued to develop as an artist.  

 

                                                                               Stepping far out of my comfort zone, I forced myself to                                                                                 learn completely new techniques and styles.                                                                                                     Perspectives, shading and variations were different than                                                                                 I was used to, but were crucial aspects for me to learn.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

Although I do not market these drawings as part

of my professional portfolio, I do still consider

them an important part of the path that has led

me to where I am today.  

 

They are a reflection of a transitional time in my

life, where I was exploring how I would fit into

the world of fine art. I would later realize that,

technically, I didn’t need to “fit” in anywhere. My

art was, and still is, a reflection of my passion, not

a conformity to popularity. 

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Ultimately, returning to my original love for wildlife, my art has truly become part of who I am.  As cliche as that may sound, there have been moments in my adult life that I have not created art, and there was a sense of emptiness deep within. 

 

                                                                         It’s been a journey, but I’ve found my niche in the fine art                                                                               world.  

 

                                                                         Art is my way of communicating the beauty I see in the                                                                                  world.  I find inspiration all around me, whether it be a quick                                                                          drive to work or a walk in the woods.  I am truly amazed by                                                                            the intricacies of the world we live in.  Animals show such                                                                              beauty yet ambiguity.  That combination drives the passion I                                                                          put into my work.