color. play. gratitude.

Growing up in California, my parents made sure we held on to their New England roots by packing up our family each summer and making the cross-country trek to the small island of Vinalhaven, Maine. Even as a child I seemed to know that this is where I wanted to spend my life. There is something unique about Maine: the people, the change in seasons, and the colors created by the rise and fall of the sun. When it came time for college I chose to come to Maine and upon graduation was more than excited to accept a job as the K-12 French teacher on Vinalhaven. Now, I feel very fortunate to be living on this small island raising my own family.

During the school year most of my focus is on school, teaching, and my kids. They keep me very busy, but painting plays an important role for me during these hectic months. I appreciate the opportunity to escape the everyday of life and to get lost in the process of creating and playing with color. There is something about the challenges that creating a piece of work entails, that motivates and excites me. Painting is a process of challenges, experimentation, and problem-solving - much like teaching - that both satisfies me and inspires me. When I sit down at my easel, put on my apron, and paint I am transported away from any stress or problems of the time and my mind clears. It is both stimulating and therapeutic. 

Color is the primary focus of my work. I am in constant awe of the color and light created by the sunset skies and ocean here in Maine and I feel overwhelming gratitude to be witness to them so frequently.  My paintings are a means for expressing this gratitude. Along with color, shape is also an integral part of my work, as I am fascinated by the many different forms of islands, ocean, and sky and how they layer with each other to create different shades of color and light. Born out of desire to push myself into a new creative mindset, my most recent pieces are looser and more playful. I create them with the intention of keeping things light while focusing on the beauty of colors. I hope they communicate the beauty and appreciation I have for the colors of our landscape.