What inspired you to become an artist and why do you love to draw?
I am a mother of three girls, and we love to create together. The messier the better! Luckily I am blessed with a patient husband and there are never any quips over the project de jour. We recently added a vegetable garden to the yard. It became a new source of inspiration and, the perfect set of bunny ears. The earthiness of nature with the delicateness of the sketches became this beautiful balance. Things took off from there. Projects I do these days end up reflecting nature or nostalgia and I love spending time on sketches that are meaningful. Hand drawing is such a raw form of expression in saturated digital world. My laid back style is definitely a reflection of a lifetime growing up on the beach in southern California, and my time spent designing at Roxy amongst some uber talented ladies. I cannot resist palm trees, coral, and beach girl thrown together with my love affair of flowers and fashion.
I started doing custom illustrations along with original pieces to show my girls that they are able to pursue something they love. Passion and work can coexist. I definitely have an end-game of wanting to give back. I just haven't figured out all the kinks quite yet, and I love that they are on this journey with me.
Why did you choose this medium?
Ink with Japanese paintbrush is so mesmerizing to me and it's one of my favorite mediums. It is so clean and simple with a modern edge. I have so many ideas at all times, that putting simplicity on paper is soothing to my soul. I love a little paint, a little watercolor, and throw in some pen. Mix it all up! Just how I like to dress or decorate my home, layering meaningful vintage with modern. That's what makes it personal.
What was your favorite project to date?
I was over-the-moon happy to do a fashion sketch for a friend's niece that became her own prom dress. Having a chance to support a young girl's creativity and individuality is the ultimate.