My inspiration to paint began in 2009 with the tragic passing of my beloved sister, Catherine. The darkness of grief was overwhelming and all consuming. I felt a strong pull to immerse myself into something beautiful in order to feel my way through the pain of loss and grief. Painting allowed beauty to come from the darkness of grief. I was a shocked and surprised as I had no known painting talent before I started taking lessons. Painting regularly began as therapy allowing me to heal, laugh and feel joy again.  

 

Today, I find myself drawn to the beauty of nature, particularly the west coast of British Columbia, whether it’s an ocean scene or the lush west coast rainforests. The composition of my subject needs to pull me in emotionally and evoke feelings. It begins with choosing the subject matter then sketching it. Once that is achieved, the actual process of painting is the icing on the canvas, so to speak.

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Each time I pick up a paintbrush or face a blank canvas, I am filled with a sense of excitement as I embark on a new adventure and discover what is about to unfold in front of me. Painting is my therapy and my spiritual medicine. Between juggling a career in education, and being a mom and wife, I always make sure I fit painting in to a part of every single day.

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"He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist."

          - Saint Francis of Assisi