As a photoshop artist I was able to combine my passion for painting and creativity in the service of large advertising agencies and design firms.
However my true passion since childhood has always been to draw and paint. For this reason I was guided to attend a 3 year graphic arts program (design & illustration) after high school.
I soon went on to work for large agencies for the better part of 20 years. I created cool digital images for magazines, bill boards and transit shelter ads to name a few. Some of them even won big awards and that was pretty cool too.
However, I secretly dreamed of the day I could put aside my mouse and get back to my canvas.
Suddenly at the age of 35, I received a shocking news. I was diagnosed with macular degeneration and told I was going blind by three doctors. I refused to accept their diagnosis and committed myself to working my way back to whole health. I used everything from nutrition, qi gong and acupuncture to special ionized Kangen water.
Very long story short, after 8 months on the water – I gained nearly all my vision back! It wasn’t long after this miraculous recovery, that my passion for painting turned into a mission.
First thing I did, was buy a flight to Mexico. Next was let go of, and sell nearly everything in preparation for my move to Baja. Sunny skies here I come.
When I finally got settled in Baja and painting again,
I was truly so happy my heart would sing. So I took it one step further. I purchased a lot in Baja, and designed and built my own home and art studio.
I moved in March 2020. I’d be lying if I said it was a smooth transition. Life is like that.
However the ability to paint and draw during difficult times is always such a blessing. It helps me stay grounded, inspired and connected.
For me, navigating life is an inner journey, and drawing allows me to forget the external distractions.
Just like when I was a kid, I can get lost for hours and hours when I’m drawing. Sometimes, I can spend days and nights consumed with a painting that speaks to me.
Acrylic, oil and graphite are my favourite mediums. I’ve mostly always drawn animals and nature. My paintings are often sweeping landscapes and vistas, I credit the hawk, my spirit animal.
