Trained originally as a Commercial Artist, my interests quickly turned towards fine arts. From the beginning of my work as an artist. I have enjoyed working in fine detail and “line work” Early in my artistic life, I had the good fortune to apprentice with etchers,  Sal & Donna Guardino. They were a part of the Arts Guild of Sonoma and had booths at the Renaissance & Dickens Faire in California. In addition to learning the craft of etching with them, I learned how to mat and frame, organize and manage a gallery. I worked with many of the artist within the guild at their studios as well as in the gallery. 

 

My interest in nature and love of detail drew me to the study scientific illustration with Chuck Stasick at Sonoma State and Linda Ann Vorbik at UC Berkeley. I spent 10 years illustrating the Flora of Edgewood Preserve, San Mateo County. I used a binocular microscope and fell in the love with the tiny detail revealed through the lens. Once the guidebook was completed, I turned my focus to using watercolor to paint scenes where the flowers I’d illustrated could be found. 

 

Over the years I have worked in a variety of media; especially 

Pen and Ink, Watercolor, Chinese Ink painting and now I am bringing Embroidery, a skill I learned from the age of five, into the forefront of my artistic creativity,

 

I want my art to express my social concerns and especially my love of the natural environments. My two most recent projects have reflected this. “SPURS”was generated through my personal exploration of the ways in which the charred remnants of the devastating CZ fire in Santa Cruz County, spoke to me about destruction and renewal. I am currently working in embroidery and fiber arts to create a mixed media show, “ENDANGERED” illustrating some of the endangered species of San Mateo County.