About the Artist

  As a child, I always loved coloring in coloring books. My grandmother set aside a special spot for me to color, and it became a place where I could escape and let my mind wander to a happy place. My journey into painting on canvas, however, didn't begin until I moved to Lake Havasu due to my husband's job.

  Being a military spouse often means you're constantly on the move, making it difficult to build a stable career. My main profession had been as a massage therapist, and I’ve always seen myself as a healer, with the goal of helping those around me. When we relocated for my husband’s job, I had to start my business from scratch, which made it challenging to make new friends and find stability. It was during this time that I met my friend Jackie, who encouraged me to start painting while I was still trying to establish my massage therapy practice.

  I quickly realized that painting brought me a sense of calm and relief from the anxiety that came with moving and starting over in a new place. Painting became a way for me to heal, providing a creative outlet that helped ease my worries and lifted me out of the depression and stress of constant transitions. It took me back to that happy place I had as a child, and I realized that painting, for me, is a form of healing.

  My first paintings were two 4x5-foot canvases. Both my husband and Jackie were a bit puzzled as to why I’d start with such large canvases, but I needed a piece for the expansive wall above the stairs in our home, so I didn’t even consider painting something smaller. My husband encouraged me to buy more canvas after completing my first painting. This decision led me to start creating art for every wall in our home.

  My massage clients began to notice and compliment my paintings, and my family members also expressed their appreciation, I gained more confidence in my work. I sold a few pieces and gave many away to friends and family. When we moved cross-country from Lake Havasu, the couple who bought our home purchased several of my paintings, which were still hanging on the walls. This was the start of my confidence in my artwork.