A bit more of my story
Painting and creating are a part of me, and have been from the very beginning. I found my way to watercolor illustration through a life guided by my grandmothers. Both nurtured a blossoming creativity, teaching me different forms of painting, making, baking, and cooking.
I found my way to the Savannah College of Art and Design as a young adult and, after graduating with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, traveling, and finding work where it was available, painting and creating became a side act in a life driven by my seeking for stability. I've worked in galleries, fine jewelry, hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and cafés. I've travelled the world. Living in multiple places in California, Georgia, New York, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Nepal, New Zealand, France, and all to finally settle with a little family in Norway. In working in such a wide range of places and living within so many cultures, I've grown an appreciation for diversity in experience, in the small (and big) parts of life that make it beautiful. I've also come to understand that, in nearly every part of the world, one of our basic human needs that often goes unspoken is that of beauty. Wherever humans go, they create and bring beauty with them.
Something my aunt has said that has left a lasting impact on me (and that I have shamelessly adopted for myself) is that one should "leave the world (or space/place) more beautiful than when one found it." I'd like to think that's part of what I do and bring to the world.
All the good things
From a young age, I connected deeply with life and my love of it. My gratitude list is long. I can rattle on for ages... here's a little glimpse of my ever-growing collection!
I love my watercolor palette. It shows many years of use, a reminder of all the projects I've had the pleasure of working on. I love a fresh block or roll of thick watercolor paper. Its cleanliness and texture are a welcoming sign to get painting!
My little (and big) family. Being a mother has taught me oh so many things. The most impactful being to slow down (even more, then some more) to be present with the most beautiful (and challenging) moments life has to offer. My broader family, which is globally spread, is filled with friends and relatives, all of whom I happen to think are some of the best gifts in this life.
Making food with my people, while dancing to music in the kitchen. To then enjoy long, thought-provoking conversation and a laughter-filled meal together.
Arranging and re-arranging whatever space I find myself living in. I love freshening up energy. Even by moving a little scene on a shelf to have it balanced with some seasonal flowers or a winter "stick" bouquet.
Being absolutely swallowed up by nature. Be it on a large beach with thunderous waves, high in the mountains on hikes, or hands deep in the dirt on a farm. So much of my "previous" life was driven by balancing the normal comforts of life with the discomforts of letting nature take its course.
There is so, so much more I love in this life. Knitting, beautiful cafés, thoughtfully made and designed objects, movies (and TV), bird song, and more. Maybe we'll get to dive into some of the things YOU love, if we get the chance to work together.