I spent the first seven years of my life growing up in Eastern Canada. Memories of the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of the maples turning their fall colours forever influenced my art. The smells of fall, the deep blue shadow patterns in the snow left by the leafless maples, the crunch of the snow on a cold winter day.
At the age of seven I had the opportunity to visit McMichael’s Gallery in Kleinburg Ontario and see works by the Group of Seven and other great Canadian artists. Bells went off! I could see clearly a way to express the joy I found with the Canadian landscape.
Moving to Alberta, I immediately fell in love with both the prairie and mountain landscapes. The yellow ocher fields, aspen trees, rolling foothills, chinook arches, mountains and crisp snow instantly became subject matter for my lifelong exploration with painting and drawing. Studying at the Alberta College of Art and Design in the 90s gave me a great appreciation for the process of making art.
My paintings are an attempt to relive the acute and joyful sensations I encountered on fall and winter walks so many years ago. It is my hope that there is a connection, memory, of long walks through aspen forests, hiking trails or down the alleyways on the way to school, that bring a sense of calm and joy. I have had the absolute pleasure of practicing professional art and instruction for over 25 years.
