I was born and raised in BC with an aptitude for drawing, which grew into a fierce desire to become a painter. My formal education began at Emily Carr University in two stints, the latter during a trend when painting was declared dead. Determined, I went on to complete my MFA at Concordia University and then established my studio practice in Vancouver. In 2010, I was able to return to Vancouver Island with my partner, joined by our cat, where I feel a deeper connection to nature.

CV

Artist Statement

The slowness of painting allows me to fully embody my relationship with the world around me, and communicate this with you. Is there anything more than this moment to consider? Details often overlooked in life can be profound and nuanced. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Pratt and Joan Semmell have demonstrated that daily personal experience is a solid place to work from. I’ve learned to trust my eye. Whatever attracts will find meaning in good time.

My realist visual language comes naturally from a kind of classical upbringing where patience and control were encouraged. At the same time, I question tradition, so there is tension in my work. On the one hand I magnify my subjects cropping them close, or fragmenting and compressing them towards collage, all in an attempt to reflect my vision and life experience. Lately I find myself taking a step back to gain perspective, attempting to capture the wonder of my surroundings.

Ultimately I strive towards poetic ambiguity, at least a bit of mystery, even if it takes awhile to connect the dots.