Artist Biography

Many years ago, I had the privilege of living in the remote desert of central Nevada in a beautiful place called The Big Smoky Valley. My family moved there to escape the "rat race". It was a strange and new experience for a twelve year old girl; no TV, no movie theaters, bumpy dirt roads, endless miles of sagebrush and mountains that reached nearly 12,000 feet. At first, I felt like a stranger in this new desert land. But in time, it became an intrinsic part of my soul. It was a time in my life when I truly learned the difference between loneliness and solitude.
Life was simple and uncomplicated. The days were spent exploring the endless playground that surrounded me. The nights reserved for gazing at the distant milky-way filled universe. Time was a gift. It was there that I learned the true passion of art. I had always loved drawing and painting, and with little distraction from outside influences, I spent countless hours alone — creating.

After moving from this desolate and magnificent area, I became distracted by a busy, modern world. I allowed myself to lose sight of the most important gift I had been given. I became a stranger to my art. I didn't paint for a few years, and even though my life was full and busy, there was always a void.

On New Year’s Eve in 2001, I decided it was time to paint again. I have been painting ever since. I realized that it was necessary for me to lose sight of my craft — I had to lose it in order to see its true value. And when it returned, it was almost like I was transported back to my room in the desert. A room filled with clippings of an eclectic mix of influences - Peter Max, Norman Rockwell, Andrew Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish & Charles Russell. A room where I had spent countless hours, alone, creating and dreaming.

Painting takes me back to that simple time in my life. A time in which I hold with only the highest regard. Painting is my solitude.