I am continually inspired by the raw, organic beauty and energy of the natural world, and the emotions that nature can evoke. It is those emotional states that I try to capture through my abstract art. Whether is the languid, peaceful delight of napping under a tree on a summer day, or withstanding the intensity of a winter storm, I enjoy the challenge of translating those emotional states onto canvas.

You could say I have a passion for relatively uncommon athletic pursuits. I have been a life-long horseperson, and have ridden and competed in jumping and eventing competitions since I was a child. In addition to equestrian sports, I am an endurance athlete and enjoy running marathons, competing in triathlons, and am currently training for a trail ultramarathon (my second!) 50K race. I was a speedskater in high school, and luckily went to a high school that actually had a speedskating team!

Last year I installed my largest solo show to date at the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery at St. Mary’s University. For that show, I created 50 new works in the span of just two years, which is the most significant body of work I had created yet. I was still working full-time in the corporate world as well, so there were lots of early mornings and late evenings in the studio. I’m really proud of the work I created in that time, and several of my favorite pieces emerged from that body of work!

My art always reflects my life, so it’s natural that my art also shifts to reflect the broadened perspective that one gains with time and age. In some ways, I’m more refined and focused in my practice, especially when it comes to materials and technique. In other ways, time and experience has allowed me to have greater freedom and confidence to experiment and push the boundaries in my art.

In terms of medium, I’ve always loved the texture, malleability, gloss and longer drying times of oil paints. It forces me to slow down with a work in a way that I can’t do with quicker-drying mediums. My subject matter can be varied, but typically starts with an element of the natural world, whether that is inspiration found in the woods in my backyard, or geometric patterns, like the images of land seen from above. Sometimes the organic shapes of rocks and stones that I find on my daily walks are enough to launch a piece.

For me, belief in one’s self and one’s own artistic voice has been the most challenging aspect of being an artist. There is so much comparison, especially with social media, so it can be incredibly difficult to stay true to your own style and voice. However, I believe our authenticity as artists is the MOST important thing, so staying true to our unique vision is critical.

The piece titled “Fire in the Sky” is one of my favorite pieces. I painted that in response to the tragic Maui fires that burned the city of Lahaina, a cherished city of my husband’s and mine. I channeled my emotions of grief, loss and pain into that painting, and I think the intensity of emotions comes through on the canvas. I’m grateful that art gives me the ability to transmute difficult emotions into something beautiful.

I was born here in the Twin Cities and grew up in Roseville. After high school, I didn’t stray too far from the nest, and attended college at St. Olaf in Northfield where I majored in Studio Art and Art History. My husband and I have lived in the south metro for the past 20 years.

Stylistically I’m heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionists. I’m a huge fan of Joan Mitchell, Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler and the others of this period. I consider one of my mentors to be Wendell Arneson, one of my college painting professors. I was struggling to find my voice and style during this time, and he encouraged me to paint what I’m passionate about, and not worry about making my art fit into a certain mold. His enthusiasm for art was infectious, and I always felt very supported and encouraged during my early years as an artist.

Keep going! Believe in what you are doing and believe that what you say through your art is important and makes a difference. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, throw away pieces, or paint over them. Produce as much work as you can, and with time, you own authentic voice and style will begin to emerge. It just takes time, belief, and miles of canvas!