I was educated at the University of Calgary, where I obtained a degree in education. My love of dance led me to a minor in dance and my curiosity with all things connected to history and people led me to pursue a major in Social Studies. I was able to teach dance for many years, but when a back injury side lined me, my creative bent needed an outlet, and painting replaced my passion for dance. I am currently a Social Studies teacher at Central Memorial High School.

My art has always been inspired by my fascination of people and an interest in the human figure. I have attended art classes at Mount Royal College, the University of Calgary, and Red Deer College. My many artist friends and colleagues have not only mentored me, but continually encourage me to grow artistically and at times, throw caution to the wind.

ARTISTIC AFFILIATIONS
Federation of Canadian Artists
Calgary Artists' Society
The New 7 Painters Society of Canada

JURIED SHOWS
Muttart Public Art Gallery 1998, 1999, 2000
FCA "Bow Valley Art Show and Sale" 1999
FCA "Webster Galleries Show and Sale" 1999
FCA "North Glenmore Spring Show and Sale" 2000
FCA "Strathcona Show and Sale" 2000, 2001
FCA "Art Space Show and Sale" 2001
Calgary Artists' Society – Art Walk Show 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Calgary Artists' Society Spring Show 2000, 2001, 2002
FCA Vancouver Gallery "All Media Show" April 2002
FCA "Edgemont Show and Sale" 2002
The Leighton Centre "All Members Juried Show and Sale" May 2003
FCA Vancouver Gallery "Semi Abstract Show" 2007

GALLERY SHOWS
Webster Galleries, Calgary "The New 7 Inaugural Show" 2004
Art Beat Gallery, St. Albert "Landscapes of the West" 2005
Webster Galleries, Calgary "A Painterly View" 2005
The Gallery on Main, Lacombe "Lacombe Centennial Celebration" 2005
Webster Galleries, Calgary "This Land" 2006
Gateway to the Rockies Gallery, Invermere "Western Perspectives" 2006
The Gallery on Main, Lacombe "Heartland" 2007

PUBLICATIONS
Magazin Art Fall 2005 "The New 7, Paying Homage to the Canadian Landscape"

ARTIST STATEMENT
A love of travel has led me to Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, South America, Africa, India and many parts of Canada. These adventures are reflected in my paintings. My art is inspired by my fascination with people and an interest in the human figure. I also find inspiration in the outdoors, and spend as much time painting Òen plein airÓ as possible. The enjoyment of painting outdoors is compounded by the camaraderie shared with fellow artists as we attempt to capture the immenseness of the Rocky Mountains or the quiet beauty of the prairies. The bold use of colour and texture play key roles in my work as does the use of interesting shapes and negative space. Primary colours and the use of complimentary colours wake up the senses and thusly are to be found in most of my paintings.

My paintings record my journey through life, and also allow me to explore a particular idea or theme and follow it through to the end. The direction of my painting seems to change constantly, because new situations, ideas and experimentation are my impetus. Most recently I have been experimenting with abstracting both figure and still life, and found this to be an exciting new direction for my art. Experimentation is an artistic process deeply valued by myself, since it is an exciting, adventurous and ever expanding circle which takes me to places I have never experienced.

Painting excites my mind and soothes my soul. It energizes me and makes me look at the world from a different perspective. It causes me to pause and admire the shadows and light; it allows me to see beauty where others may see none.

REPRESENTED BY:
Webster Galleries Inc.
812 11 Ave SW
Calgary AB T4L 1Y1
Phone: (403) 263-6500
Website: www.webstergalleries.com

The Gallery on Main
2nd Level - 4910 50 Ave
Lacombe AB T2R 0E5
Phone: (403) 782-3402
Website: www.thegalleryonmain.com