Art is a mirrorEver since I could grip a crayon, I have longed to create art. For me, art is a mirror. It grasps at the edges of our imagination, breathing life into our thoughts, until the art that we create or hang in our homes reflects how we see the world. It reveals our beliefs and desires, sharing them deeper than words, and I love using it to to help us marvel in delight at the world around us.
My love for animals started early, when at four years old, I campaigned with strategically placed signs papering our house for a cat (complete with illustrations, of course). I won my first state art contest for sea wildlife at age 7. Growing up on a farm and in 4-H, it was only natural for me to focus my art on animals and wildlife, and I began taking commissions. In particular, I've been drawn to horses and dogs, competing in a wide variety of dog and equestrian sports. After college, I spent many years working in Papua New Guinea, a large island north of Australia, as a vernacular linguist. It's incredible natural diversity and amazing people captured my heart. However, I only had access to limited art supplies while working there, so much of my art was put on hold until 2019, when I finally had opportunity to pick it up again. I am excited to see how my years abroad continues to shape and strengthen my art. I currently live in Wisconsin with my husband, Dan, our dog, Anna, and our horse Amira. |
Current Exhibitions
"The Hunter" displayed at "Impressions That Eye Saw" by Wyoming Area Creative Arts Community from February 18 to March 13
9 different wildlife paintings displayed at the Watershed Cafe in Osceola, WI from February through May. Various dog and cat paintings displayed at the Chateau St. Croix Winery from March 6-7, 2021 |
Awards
2020
Accepted into the In.Art Show at Hallberg Center for the Arts exhibition for "Final Approach" Accepted into Arts Consortium of Carver County exhibition, "Portraits and Family" for "First Books" 1st Place People's Choice Award: "Playtime" at Hallberg Center for the Arts exhibition, "Impressions in Nature's Elements" Youth Awards 2007 Hopkins Art Show 2007 MN Junior Duck Stamp, 10-12 grade, 2nd place 2007 MN Deer Hunters Association Youth Art Contest, 10-12 grade, 2nd place 2007 TWHBEA 1st place Senior 2007 TWHBEA 1st place Senior 2007 Minnesota State Fair: 4-H Fine Arts Purple Ribbon of Excellence 2007 Sibley County Fair, Adult Open Class, 1st place 2006 Red Rooster Art Show - 2nd Place 2006 MN Junior Duck Stamp, 1st Place, Grades 10-12 2006 Red Rooster Art Show, 3rd Place 2006 Sibley County Fair: 4-H Fine Arts Grand Champion 2006 Minnesota State Fair: 4-H Fine Arts 2006 Lake County Pastel Society Spring Show at the MN Arboretum 2006 Prairie Lakes Juried Art Show, New Ulm 2006 Red Rooster Art Show Cover of 2006 MN Walking Horse Stallion Directory 2006 Sibley County Fair: Open Class Art Grand Champion 2006 Minnesota State Fair: Education Open Class, 11th Grade Pastel 2006 MN Deer Hunter's Association 2nd Place, Grades 10-12 2006 Eagles Forever Contest 2006 Crow River Arts Juried Art Show, 2nd Place Drawing 2006 Minnesota State Fair: Education Open Class, 11th Grade Pastel 2005 Sibley County Fair: 4-H Fine Arts Grand Champion 2005 Minnesota State Fair: 4-H Fine Arts Purple Ribbon of Excellence 2005 NRA 2nd Place, Grades 10-12 2005 Minnesota State Fair: Education Open Class, 10th Grade Charcoal 1st Place 2005 Minnesota State Fair: Education Open Class, 10th Grade Grand Champion 2005 MN Junior Duck Stamp, Honorable Mention, Grades 10-12 2004 MN State Fair: Education Open Class, 9th Grade Pastel 2nd Place 2004 Sibley County Fair: 4-H Fine Arts Grand Champion 2004 Minnesota State Fair: 4-H Fine Arts Purple Ribbon of Excellence 2004 NRA Honorable Mention 2004 MN Deer Hunter's Association 1st Place, Grades 7 - 9 2004 TN Walking Horse Breeder's & Exhibitor's Ass Nat'l Youth Art Contest: 1st place. 2004 Sibley County Fair: 4-H Fine Arts 2003 MN 4-H State Fair: purple ribbon. 2002 TN Walking Horse Breeder's & Exhibitor's Assn Nat'l Youth Art Contest: 1st place. 2002 Defenders of the Wildlife National Youth Art Contest: 1st place 1996 Wyland Whales Art Contest, 1st place |