From childhood doodles to self-guided artistry, my creative journey has been a heartfelt adventure. Embracing the art of sketching, I taught myself to bring to life people, animals, and flowers. College introduced me to graphic arts, where my passion gained purpose. My love for layout truly blossomed in my first design role at my local community college in 2013, extending into branding and video production. I stepped out on my own in 2023 to follow my passion and work as an artist and surface pattern designer, developing my own pattern collections and artwork with the goal of seeing my work out in the world. It’s been a joyous ride, filled with curiosity, persistence, and the pure love of crafting meaningful creations.
In the midst of illustrating, I find myself gravitating to the delicate beauty of florals and botanicals and the charming motifs of folk art. I use natural forms for abstract textures, and love to pair organic patterns and shapes with hand-drawn geometric repeats. It’s in this well of skills and interests that I am able to express the emotions I want to convey and it gives my work that unique, genuine touch. Beyond the illustrative career, I share my life with my husband Brent (an amazing musician and guitarist who has been helping me write and perform music for over 25 years); Veylah, my Yorkie; and Burdee, my tuxedo cat. As a new plant mom, I’m finding solace in my home by surrounding myself in greenery and I’m discovering how nurturing nature brings me a sense of peace and purpose. |
Diving into the world of creation, for me, is like taking a journey within myself to capture a feeling. Illustrating nature and natural elements is my sanctuary, a therapeutic refuge that guides me through the ebbs of anxiety. In the midst of my journey with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, illustration became my steadfast companion, offering stillness and a gentle anchor. The contours of leaves, the soothing flow of a branch, or the delicate whisper of florals become my visual mantras, helping me center myself when the currents of anxiety surge.
While I thoroughly enjoy expressing myself through digital platforms like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator, I find the most satisfaction in simply putting pen and ink to paper and experimenting with other mediums like block printing, watercolor, acrylics, and art markers. I find that learning new mediums continues to develop my unique style. In the delicate strokes and mindful creation, I find a profound sense of calm. As a result, my work naturally carries the essence of tranquility and peace. Each stroke, each hue, and every element serves as a testament to the therapeutic power of nature, a profound reminder that amidst the chaos, there is always a serene haven found within the embrace of illustration. |