If we go all the way back my shop was born when a mom asked for a set of the alphabet made of animals. Animals have always been a passion of mine. It started with designing an illustrated alphabet to a more focused passion of birds, along with native plants and insects.

It was while in California that I became a birder and naturalist. There I discovered my deep passion for the land and the nature that lives on it. My surroundings play a large part in what I am doing creatively. Being settled and close to nature are important parts of my creative process. I do my best to make my living space home to native plants so, native birds and wildlife species can thrive.

Nature/science and learning are my two great passions that I love translating into art. My main focus from nature and science are animals. The way animals live and survive is fascinating. When I create art with an animal subject I enjoy finding the joyous or simple moments of life and sharing the tranquility and vulnerability of the creatures. When creating Animals in Alphabet I aim to represent each animal’s natural movement while manipulating them into the shape. When drawing birds I look to their behaviors to find a body position that best represents their species.

The bird paintings on leaves was inspired by two women. My mother and her sister, Karen and Teresa. When we visit we spend much of the time together birding. They got me started birding. The documentation of theirs and my explorations provides me with the reference I use to create my art.
From photographs one of the three of us have taken I paint a gouache painting of an animal, mostly birds, onto a leaf I have collected and pressed. These leaves represent the native flora and the animals the native fauna. These leaves are then mounted for wall art display or put into a piece of jewelry. They celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds us.

I call North Carolina home again and hope to for years to come. I am in the mountains along a river. Each day I create art, spend time out in nature, and cultivate the yard we have to be a refuge for the native flora and fauna.