Thank you for visiting my website. I am a Calgary artist who is addicted to colour and nature. When I was a child, my artistic grandmother taught me to paint a perfect apple in oil…and I was hooked. Art has been very important to me throughout my life. I am inspired by many artists; however, if I had to choose, Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite. I have studied his work for years, and recently I had the great fortune to see a large display of his works in Paris. I love his use of colour, bold lines and his exquisite brush strokes; his life is fascinating and I have many books about him.
The disinhibited and honest artwork of children also inspires me and I tend to have a youthful and whimsical approach. My mental health vocation provided me the opportunity to work with talented and artistic individuals living with mental health challenges; I am fascinated by the links between creativity and mental health. Drawing, painting, music, dance and drama are creative therapeutic tools.
I use a unique blend of charcoal or pen and ink, with layers and layers of lively colourful acrylic glazes and washes. I also enjoy using a variety of unconventional tools for mark making and texture. I appreciate the versatility of acrylics and how the paint can be thin and translucent or thick and globby; I paint in many layers, often painting over previous paintings to provide a history to the piece. I recently started working with a very restricted palette and only use 3-5 colours plus white and black. My signature pieces are large abstracts but I also love creating wonky trees, contemporary florals and a variety of mixed media pieces.
Much of my art is inspired in and around my neighbourhood, while on long walks with my pup, Murphy (who is now following the paths of Jasmine and Luna). My work is based on reality but it usually has an extra zing of colour and texture. I am especially inspired by chaotic weather and climate events.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
~ Pablo Picasso
