I’m a spunky, tree-hugging, painter. I seem harmless enough- being a gentle, calm person with no more than the usual amount of dirt under my fingernails. However, I am passionate about the environment, wildlife, nature, and my art; and I can be as fierce as a cornered squirrel (trust me, they’re fierce).

As a bird-watcher, hiker, and a wildlife rehabilitator, the passion for nature that is bottled up within me drives my artwork. The experience, knowledge, and inspiration gained from this portion of my life are constantly renewing and cycling into my paintings. From the experience of releasing an orphaned opossum that I raised, to seeing a great blue heron in flight over the Scioto River, the compassion and affinity I feel for the natural world always draw me back to my art. I love painting nature, and whether it be a naturalistic children’s illustration or an expressive gallery piece, my idealism usually seeps through.

Experiencing life is an important part of being an artist. I believe creativity stems from living a life that is bursting at the seams. For example, when not painting, I am a professional fire dancer and a fire eater. This opens up a whole world of people, sights, and experiences that are a constant source of inspiration for me. Other inspiration comes from climbing trees, jumping in leaves, playing in mud puddles, and handling wild animals at the wildlife center at which I volunteer. My experiences provide both the raw material and the beautiful insights an artist needs to paint the world.

Ultimately, my purpose as an artist is to show people new ways of thinking, living, and appreciating, especially in regards to nature. Living sustainably and responsibly in our environment is important to me. With my paintings of nature, I hope to show people the beautiful, precious world they have. If I can show children and adults what is around them, then they may join me in fighting to keep what we all share.