Growing up... I've always loved to color, draw, and create. It was in third grade that I realized that I wanted to be an Artist. Though it wasn't until later in life that I'd connected the dots, to find that I wanted to Illustrate stories and children's books. I loved the power behind words. Words could evolke hardship, tradegy, love, laughter, mystery, and hope, and the illustrations were center stage as they drew in crowds for those magical words. 

 

During High School, I attended the Academy of Arts Saturday Program, this is where I first learned to draw figures from life, and then after finishing High School I attended and graduated from The California College of the Arts  with a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration. It was here that I connected with amazing artists, and illustrators, that motivated me to take chances and sharpen my skills as an Artist. In between that time I also attended Solano Community College, where I learned to tie my art to nature, through sculpture, gallery management, and plein air painting. I learned to use materials in a whole different way. 

 

Being an Artist has also opened many doors for me in life. One of the most inspiring doors that it's opened has been through teaching. I've taught art to youth and teens from the ages of 4-13yrs and 16-18yrs at local community centers and non-profits. I've created stage props and backgrounds for community youth theaters with my favorite being Charlie & The Chocolate Factory!  

 

Youth have this energy of curiosity that everyone should experience, because it's contagious! I not only taught them to paint murals, sculpt, act, design, and animate. They've taught me to be funny, creative, and to step outside my box and out of my comfort zone. I'm currently teaching part time for an After School Program in Solano County, and I'll continue to teach as well as train or motivate I should say, after school educators to take full advantage of art in their after school programs.