About the Artist

I developed an appreciation for the arts at an early age. I trained as a classical ballet dancer in my youth. That training prepared me for a career in dance as a performer, choreographer, and teacher, in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and ballroom dancing. My background in dance has a strong influence on the art that I do now. Lines and the balance of visual components, for instance, are important in both dance and 2D art. As a dancer, I focused on moving through physical space; now, as a visual artist, I try to give the illusion of motion through the use of shapes, textures, and the placement of elements on a board or canvas.

Nature has a particular influence on my art, and is an endless source of inspiration and ideas! I was raised in a small coastal community in British Columbia, and spent much of my youth exploring woods and beaches. As an adult, I needed to live in cities to work and go to university. But, in 1995, it was back to the country! For the next 20 years, my husband and I developed properties on the BC coast, grew our own organic vegetables, and raised livestock for food. Living so close to the land gave me a renewed appreciation for natural light, form, texture, and colour — all important elements in the creation of art.

My interest in supporting non-profit organizations stems from a career change I made in my mid-thirties. After completing an undergraduate degree in social work, and then a Master of Social Work degree, I went on to work as a counsellor and consultant in non-profit and government organizations. I also taught social work in BC and Alberta colleges for several years, and supervised practicum students placed in non-profit organizations. I’m also the author of university textbooks on social policy and programs.