While attending Minneapolis College of Art + Design, I began my career as a graphic designer. Fine art, however, has been my central focus since my first child was born. Portraiture was the starting point for my fine art practice–which started with a pastel portrait of my daughter. It felt like a natural progression from the illustrative projects I’d been involved in as a designer.
I still work in realism, however, in recent years, much of my work has been conceptual or abstract. Most of my fine art has been commissioned work but I’ve also been involved in juried exhibitions. I’ve been a lifelong resident of the Twin Cities, but my work’s reach extends beyond the area as well as outside the state of Minnesota.
Motherhood, my connection to the natural world, and music rank as my most important inspirations. I am a passionate learner and I enjoy collaborating and experimenting in different styles and media. I am devoted to the environment and am concerned about many social issues.
When I’m not drawing or painting, I am designing things like window displays, invitations, books, branding, and more. I enjoy spending time with my family, attending live music shows, running, home-improvement projects, supporting causes through my donation of time and art, and the occasional gin + tonic.