“Don’t ask the world what it needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
— Dr. Howard Thurman
Finding and celebrating beauty in the everyday is part of my DNA. When I paint, I pour part of myself onto the canvas. And in so doing, I am walking out the above quotation that so inspires me.
I was formally trained in Scientific and Technical Illustration at Sheridan College (Oakville, Ontario), and have a background in Photography and Commercial Art acquired at the Bealart Vocational Art Program at H. B. Beal Secondary School (London, Ontario). I describe my work as “high realism”. Where possible I like to use my own photographs as reference material. Otherwise I source ideal images and obtain permissions for their use, often tweaking them digitally before using them as reference guides. I have a passion for detail and accuracy that is evident in my work. I love to use bright colours and powerful contrasts to convert the ordinary into captivating, dramatic compositions.
After doing some post-college globe trotting in South and Central America, England and New Zealand (where I have dual citizenship), I began to exhibit and sell my work in 2008 at Art in the Park in my hometown of Stratford, Ontario. Shortly after, I moved to Ottawa (Capital of Canada) and became involved with the local art scene through various local exhibits and gallery showings. It is a privilege to be able to do something that is so fulfilling, and an honour to interact with those who resonate with the art that I create. My work has brightened lives and spaces in corners across Canada, the USA, Mexico, England, Holland, South Africa, Indonesia and New Zealand. While I love to paint from personal inspiration, I also enjoy working with clients to realize their artistic visions and memories in paint.
I currently reside in Ottawa with my amazing husband who also serves as Cheerleader Extraordinaire and Wise Sounding Board in relation to my artistic endeavors. A beautiful, sophisticated cat, and an exuberant, gangly young dog add sparkle and joy to our lives daily. I look to God and time in nature (preferably on a bike or hiking) for inspiration and refreshing of my creative juices. I am amazed and delighted to be living my dream.
Affiliations and Memberships
The Foyer Gallery is an artist-run exhibition space, established in 1997 and comprised of about 40 juried artists. It provides a valuable and rewarding experience for artists, art patrons, and the general public.
The annual West End Studio Tour (WEST) is a pleasant walking, biking or driving Tour of art studios located just west of downtown Ottawa. Hailing back to 1994, the WEST has always been a free tour that is cooperatively organized and juried by the artists themselves.
Established in 1988, the West Carleton Arts Society (WCAS) is an active, non-profit volunteer organization of vibrant, talented visual artists and fine crafts people. Our dynamic program includes three annual shows, two of which are juried.
The International Guild of Realism's (IGOR’s) primary mission is to advance realism in fine art through museum exhibitions, art gallery shows, workshops and education programs conducted by our members, marketing support, and internet exposure.
The Manotick Art Association (MAA) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization (founded in 1983) that supports, fosters and connects visual artists within a 60 km radius of Watson’s Mill in Manotick. It hosts regular monthly meetings, workshops and exhibitions throughout the year.