Doodling on school folders and paper pads during phone calls and meetings, discovering rubber stamps, and using cast off postage stamp collections as collage material. These were the extent of my art activities prior to taking weekly drawing classes at a local art center in 2016. A few years later, I began learning to paint from library books, which led me to abstract painting and collage around 2021.

While my formal education isn't directly related to art making, it enhances my natural curiosity about life and how it is perceived through art. Focusing on reusing everyday materials is one way that my work can reflect present day events. Creating abstract pieces allows me to express my own perceptions and feelings about the life I have led from a multitude of past, present and dreamed of experiences.

I like to start with a blank slate and see where it takes me. I build up my work in layers of collage material and paint, like a reverse archeological dig, to reveal a sense of depth, intrigue and story. I find this reveal exciting and mysterious (and sometimes a bit frustrating!) wondering, what’s this about? Each piece develops its own personality and character that I can respond to with more layers, scratching marks, scrubbing, rubbing, or sanding away. It's always an adventure and a joy to make art!