I create playful art and patterns that capture moments of wonder and joy, inspired by my own experiences. My work is influenced by tropical plants spotted exploring with my kids, the shade of hot pink my friend was wearing while we shared a laugh, or soap bubble patterns noticed while washing dishes. My hope is my art brings a bit of sunshine in people’s homes, and lives in the background in their own memories.
I grew up in a multicultural home with parents that taught us to value all people, encouraged our creativity, and the moxie to question anything. Identifying as different gave me the gift of being able to fluidly move across social circles while accessing multiple worldviews that influence my own. I was captain of the water polo team, and also an art kid who wore combat boots under my dress when elected to Homecoming Court, all because I was kind to many.
I started taking my art more seriously after her son was born in 2013. Frustrated with being told I’d never have time for myself after children, surprisingly I found myself more confident, efficient, and focused with my art. This fueled a passion to connect with and help others prioritize their own creative pursuits.
In 2015 I co-founded an internet community called “Carve Out Time for Art” with Heather Kirtland. In April 2020 we fulfilled a big dream to publish “The Motherhood of Art”, an encouraging book featuring an introduction by Danielle Krysa of The Jealous Curator, and interviews with 33 creative women on making time for art and family in their own unique ways.
My artwork has been featured at Brooklyn Art Library, HGTV Magazine, Design Love Fest, Minted, Caseapp, Create! Magazine, and in Palette Perfect. In 2019 I was awarded "20 On the Rise" by Honeybook and Rising Tide Society. A proud moment was presenting at the Altitude Summit in 2020 with my partner, Heather Kirtland. We’ve enjoyed discussing art and our journeys on podcasts including Artist / Mother, I Like Your Work, Craft A Life Your Love, Art Juice, Art & Cocktails, and others.
My greatest joy (besides my kids) is connecting with kindred spirits over an experience, a funny story, or shared dreams and feeling positively lit up. I believe in taking my dreams quite seriously, but try not to take myself too seriously. I have a professional career as an Occupancy Planner, where I play Tetris with space and think up ideas on my commute. I live in South Florida with my (painter) husband Mike East, two kids, and mom.