What initially drew you to the world of art, and how did you begin your journey as an artist?

I’m not sure there was a ‘beginning’ to my journey as an artist. I truly believe that everyone has some sort of predisposition to creativity. The desire to make meaningful beautiful things is one of the defining characteristics of our species. I have always been curious about place, and our connection to it, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in geography, and then education, so, no, I did not go to art school, while now I think that would have been incredibly fun and interesting!

I do feel lucky, however, that this drive towards creating never left me. For a long time, it was just something I did on the side. I would doodle constantly during classes or meetings, and always had some sort of creative project on the go.

I came around to the idea of being a ‘painter’ a little later in life, after the birth of my first child. In the busyness of parenting, I felt a real need to carve out some time for something that was just mine. When my daughter would nap, I would pop down to the basement and paint. Usually, just an hour a day, if I was lucky. It was enough though, and after my first year of maternity leave I had enough paintings for my first art show. Thirteen years, and two kids later, I am still at it.

Can you describe your preferred medium(s) and artistic style, and what draws you to these particular forms of expression?

Currently, I am quite committed to acrylic on canvas as my medium of choice. I like the immediacy of acrylic, and how quickly you can create layers of vibrant colour. Acrylic allows me to be in the moment, I don’t have to plan too far ahead, I can respond to what is happening on the canvas in real-time. I love the versatility of the paint, how it can range from mountainous slabs of paint to watery, delicate marks. More and more, I’m incorporating elements of oil stick and other drawing materials as well for more of a mixed media effect.

As for canvas . . . there is just something to it. I love and appreciate sculptural elements, but I have grown fond of the idea of creating a piece that fits into a frame and is destined to adorn a wall somewhere. I know that some artists may scoff at considering the final destination of a painting, but I don’t. Design of homes and interior spaces has always been an area of interest to me. When a collector brings my work into their home, I see it as a tremendous honour. A little window bridging their world and mine, and hopefully connecting to the feelings of vastness and space beyond the little square of paint. 

How do you typically find inspiration for your artwork, and are there any recurring themes or motifs in your pieces?

I find inspiration everywhere! It is almost to my detriment. I will be walking along and see a puddle covered in ice, or an interesting shaped cloud and daydream of new paintings. In general, though, all of my work, whether representational or abstract, has a connection to nature and the landscape. When I am not representing how a place looks, I am trying to connect to how it feels, or how I feel in it. My more recent work is exploring place in a less literal way, connecting to the rhythms and patterns of the natural world the way these repeated elements evoke a sense of being. 

What role do you believe art plays in the world, and how do you see your work contributing to nature/environment conversations?

As I mentioned earlier, making beautiful things with our hands, just for the joy of it, is at the core of our humanity. I believe that. As such, art is critical to the full expression of our humanity.

Conservation of natural ecosystems is very important to me, and I donate a lot of work to organizations working to protect the environment. As for my paintings, I suppose they are each like love letters, a reminder that this planet is the great love of all of our lives.

They say if you can’t connect to nature, you won’t protect it. I see my work as a recurring invitation to connect. More than anything, the process of engaging with the landscape in a creative way is a reminder to myself to stay connected. If others get the same feeling, well, that is amazing!

Can you discuss any significant influences or artists who have inspired your own practice?

The list of artists who have inspired my work is long and always growing. The first ones that come to mind are Georgia O’Keeffe and Emily Carr. Both of these women had courageous attitudes toward their art, and shaped their lives around creative expression guided by their strong connection to place and the natural world. I feel both artists also lived in a unique, unapologetic way that shines through in their work.

I feel I should also acknowledge that living and painting in a small community by the forest on Vancouver Island, one can’t help but think of Emily Carr often. There is something magical and powerful about this little corner of the world on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish People, and she clearly felt it. Gordon Smith is another painter I have always admired, as well as Joan Mitchell and Helen Frankenthaler.

How do you approach experimentation and innovation within your art, and how important is it for you to push boundaries?

I am in a period of experimentation and transformation at the moment. Innovation and change in one’s artistic practice can be scary. I try to focus on the moment and follow my gut. It is just painting after all. I try to remember how lucky I am to have this playful expression in my life and to keep it that way: light-hearted.

How do you handle criticism or feedback about your artwork, and how does it influence your growth as an artist?

I recently read a quote from Georgia O’Keeffe that encapsulated my aspirations around feedback:  “I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free.” In truth, people are (mercifully) more inclined to share positive feedback than negative. If someone doesn't like or get my work, I just shrug it off. It's not for everyone, nor should it be. What is most important to me is that I feel good about what I’m sharing with the world.

What challenges do you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them? How do you balance the commercial aspects of selling art with maintaining artistic Integrity?

Ultimately, I think we all share the same basic challenge. There are 24 hours in a day, and 365 days in a year—that is it.

Family life, spending time with loved ones, and giving back to my community are all important to me. Finding enough time to paint is often a struggle, I always have one more idea, one more brush stroke, one more hour needed. It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like it's never enough. Not to mention attempting to feed the hungry machine of social media and marketing. I would be lying to say I have it all figured out, but lately, I’m finding more peace in just doing my best with what I’ve got. Inching the needle forward.

I feel painting is not a “career” so much as a way of life. It is a happy bonus that I get to also sell my work and develop relationships with clients. I am not entitled to that. If others have an interest in my work, it is a privilege I have to earn. I hope to live a long life and paint until I am old and grey, if that happens, I feel in the long run, there will be enough time. I am keenly aware these years of motherhood with kids at home are a one-shot deal, and I’m learning to trust that opportunities will unfold when the time is right if I keep making my best work.

What do you hope viewers experience or feel when they encounter your artwork?

I hope that my paintings bring the feeling of vastness, possibility, and affirmation of the natural world.

When I view a piece of art and feel connected to it, it is a visceral response. Something deep in my gut says, Ahhhhh, yes! A sense of excitement, validation, ease, joy. A great piece of art ignites something, a memory, a feeling, a sense of engagement or knowing somewhere inside. I know that is a lofty response, but if I can convey this with my work, I’m winning.

Can you share any advice for emerging artists who are just beginning their artistic journey?

I love this quote from Mary Oliver: “The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising and gave to it neither power nor time.” Just do it! Just go make things. You’ll probably make a lot of things that don’t work out. Worry about that later, or not at all.

How do you utilize social media or online platforms to promote your work and connect with your audience?

I have been using Instagram to share my work, and it has helped me engage with collectors. It can be daunting at times, but social media platforms are a great opportunity to share more about your work, your process, and yourself.  It is a space that is always changing, and truthfully, could disappear at any time, so I do my best to stay connected with people via my website, mailing list, and in-person shows/events. I am always looking to diversify ways to engage people with my work.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming exhibitions, projects, or goals you have?

I am very excited about working in abstraction at the moment. As I mentioned, I’ve been in a period of transformation with my work. As my paintings shift over time, I am curious about exploring new relationships with galleries and collectors. My primary goal right now is to make the best, most honest work that I can. It is a bit of a leap of faith, but I am doing my best to follow my curiosity and trust that if I jump, the net will appear. Cross your fingers for me!