If you’re looking for something to be brave about, consider fine arts.”
~ Robert Frost

Freedom ~ A collage that was created in the summer of 2021. This collage explores ideas and feelings of freedom.

How did I get here?

As a curious person with many interests, finding my passion has been an elusive journey at times. Growing up I was uncertain what career path to follow. I couldn’t see myself in the typical roles that were on offer… doctor, lawyer, accountant etc. Although I was creative and loved music, arts and crafts, the socioeconomic narrative of the starving artist was imprinted on me and I was encouraged towards the more prudent career choice.

The twists and turns of life

I worked for three years as a waiter following high school until the tyrants of minimum wage work propelled me back to school. My first choice was to explore documentary film-making or journalism. However, that didn’t work out as planned. I ended up studying Sociology and Languages. By chance or by providence my application at University was mishandled and I ended up selecting courses only two weeks before classes began. As a result of the limited selection available, I ended up taking the History of Design and Architecture. This bureaucratic mistake changed the course of my life.

The history course was my first introduction to Graphic Design. By the following year, I was enrolled in a Graphic Design program. The process of applying and having to submit a portfolio of work was daunting. I had to face my own judgements and assumptions on my abilities as an artist. I pushed through and to my surprise, I was accepted.

After graduating, I was able to find work with a friend designing websites for car dealerships. This wasn’t the alternative magazine or music industry career I had imagined. However, it was with good people, paid the student loan and it launched me into a career as a Web Designer. I leaned comfortably into the digital space of the world wide web. I enjoyed the stimulation of the new frontiers and the ongoing learning in a world changing communication tool.

Inch by inch I conquered the inner terrain I was born with. Bit by bit I reclaimed the swamp in which I’d languished. I gave birth to my infinite being, but I had to wrench myself out of me with forceps.”
~ Fernando Pessoa

I am grateful for the last 20 years of my professional career. My work has allowed me to travel all over Canada and overseas. I have worked in the arts, radio & television broadcasting, education, health and news. I am grateful to have worked in fields that contribute to the public discussion and direction in a constructive and thoughtful way.

When time and energy allows I have taken courses in fibre arts, printmaking and wearable media. I enjoy sewing, beading and embroidery; they offer an alternative to the computer and the digital world. That said, I still love digital and interactive video art. The video skills I acquired while working in broadcasting supported my exploration into VJing. I spent hours gathering, editing and layering photos, illustrations and videos into living, visual meditations. For me, VJing was an act of meditation, discovery and growth. The living collages offered a doorway into the subconscious mind and a deeper understanding of myself and my perceptions.

Selfie from 2018

My husband was the first to encourage me to think about selling my still digital collage artwork. I was reluctant, but encouragement from trusted friends and family helped to reassure me that it just might be possible. A change in geography and life situations also allowed me to pursue materializing my dreams.

And here I stand at this precipice of a major life shift. I am incredibly excited, inspired and looking forward to what the ongoing journey holds for me. I look forward to growing and improving my craft and sharing my artwork. So please check out my galleries and shop or contact me with any questions or requests.