I was born in Leeds, England, and immigrated with my family to Canada in 1966. As a child I dreamt of becoming a dancer but spent more time climbing trees than taking classes!

 

I grew up in Greater Toronto and moved to Vancouver, BC in 1984 to pursue dance and theatre. I attended York University (Toronto) and am a self-taught artist with a multi-disciplinary background in visual art, dance, theatre and voice.

 

My education is a collage itself, with no beginning or ending. Since attending York University in Toronto, in Vancouver I have studied liturgical Dance at Regent College with Celeste Snowber & Harbour Dance with Danielle Clifford, ballet at the Dance Gallery with Dianne Miller. Typography and Design at McKay Technical Institute and Vancouver Community College, Drawing at Basic Inquiry Studio with Erica Grimm-Vance, Art History at Langara College, Journaling at the UBC Writing Centre with Marlene A. Schwiy and a course in Photoshop at Focal Point, Visual Arts Academy.

 

Inspired by the beauty and unique character of Steveston a historic fishing village, I spend lots of time looking out the window of 'Studio 217' my studio apartment where I can do most things except large sculptures and welding!

 

I live there with Misty the Norwegian Forest Cat, my boys come to visit since they live a block away in Mariners Village on the West Dyke Trail. Favorite local Steveston artists I like are Brittani Faulkes, John Beatty, Mark Glavina and Jodie Blaney.

 

Artists from the 20th century who have influenced my work are; Marc Chagall, Georgia O'Keeffe, Salvador Dali and Marcelle Duchamp. Periods that interest me are cubism, abstract expressionism and surrealism.

 

Interests and related activities include supporting and parenting my own children (Joshua, Isaac and Kagen) and working with children or youth in the development of their creative gifts. Music (voice and concertina), reading, journaling/writing, and the outdoors are some of my hobbies.

photo by Dave Kemp Photography

 

I am currently exploring women in the trades with the intent to study welding at PIAB School beginning in January 2011.