I’ve always had a knack for art whether it be the realism style or my impressionism filled slant with bright colors, warmth and fun. Creating joy for others is only the start of why I do what I do. For me it’s more than just buying a new canvas at the art store and going home to paint, it’s a transformational hunt that never ends. I am always looking for new reclaimed materials. Whether it’s something someone donated they no longer have use for, or finding a treasure in an unusual circumstance. Using recycled items for my art grounds me closer to the Earth, utilizing what was already in place instead of going and asking for more. There is something so gratifying about taking an appliance part and transforming it into a beautiful piece of art.

My career and step into the art world wasn’t always a walk through the park, it came with challenges and struggles, which led to my flourishing career today. I am living my dream, inspiring others and opening my heart for others to feel my healing love of the Earth.

The years closest to when I started art full time were tumultous, but I wouldn’t change them for the world. My art career started with a bang during the economy crash in 2008. My husband's construction company had failed and we were 1.2 million dollars in debt and filed bankruptcy. With a fire under my ass I was highly motivated to figure out how to make money with my art. That or get a real job, yuck. I had to do it quickly and with no safety net. I wrote positive affirmations on yellow post-it notes everywhere in my home and car, I pulled from every positive message I could to keep me focused. They reminded me opportunities were everywhere and all I had to do was stay open to them and determined. I took every opportunity available to me and got my foot in the door at an art gallery in downtown Scottsdale, festivals added up quickly. In the beginning it was very daunting; I'd checked my bank account almost every day. I had the constant mentality that it was imperative to keep the train full speed ahead knowing I just had to make enough to get to the next festival. My friends and family were very supportive and helped me with my vision, I am so grateful. I was accused of trying too hard by so many artists but I knew I had to do everything possible to create this dream job of making a living from my paintings.

I listened to what people said when they were in my booth, tried to not be influenced by other artists, and create something unique to myself. I landed on using reclaimed materials for my canvases as a way to feed my environmentally conscious soul. With my husband's construction background and my painting abilities, we created a whole new genre of art that did not exist. He likes building art way better than he did building houses!

I’ve constantly wanted to incorporate helping the Earth live longer within my art. Being an environmentalist in my personal life, I thought “why not push this further and spread how I feel into my business?” I already drive a Prius, recycle, compost, we have a solar hot water heater, I love hiking in nature, and love animals. So it’s time to take this into my artwork. I have a deep connection to the Earth and care about what happens to it. Inspiring people to think about their choices and the Earth and to reuse things more often is my desire. I thought, what could I use that would be reclaimed to paint on? At that same moment my husband's family had just torn off a huge reclaimed tin roof. I unknowingly went to them and asked if they had anything they thought I could paint on? They pointed to a huge pile of tin and everything slowly fell into place. I started playing around and loved it; it felt so much better than just using canvas. Now it's a hunt that never ends. For example, we got a headboard at a thrift store and the gentleman who was donating it happened to be there. He was in his 80s and it was a walnut head and footboard from his childhood bed, I love that. Just when I think I have transformed everything possible something new shows up. It allows me not to have boundaries and I adore being free. I also love that we have figured out how to have the metal pieces of material be outdoor art. It has allowed a whole new category of art to flourish by allowing people to hang my work out on patios or decks or sides of houses, where ever they want without any restrictions.

Now, starting my 16th year in business with thousands of originals sold I am still living my dream! I feel humble and blessed for all the continued success and thousands of people who's lives I've touched in a positive way. I know I am meant to be a light in the world.