I’ve always been drawn to the mystery and beauty of wild spaces in nature. Our relationship with nature inspires my art, especially being a mother in the age of climate change.
I studied painting at the University of Houston where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and a Master of Curriculum & Instruction in Art Education. I studied Art History and Drawing in Florence, Italy which was a dream come true since my ancestry is all Italian.
I also lived in Mexico where I used art to teach English to 4th grade students. Both countries deeply inspired my creative path as an artist and teacher!
It’s no surprise as an artist that I’m a sensitive introvert. Growing up I struggled with debilitating anxiety where I felt so physically ill I couldn’t even leave my house. But there was this part of me that also yearned to travel and explore!
Through education, nutrition, and yoga I was able to manage the anxiety. And through art and spending time with nature, I was able to transform that buzzing internal energy into something that felt good and meaningful.
When I had my two sons, I loved being a mom, but anxiety struck again leaving me feeling drained and longing to make art. I had this idea of creating a little studio for them to make art next to me. Well…they proceeded to climb me and throw all the art supplies!
So, we spent most of our time at the park. Building with sticks, looking for colorful leaves, and climbing trees. That’s when I remembered how exploring in nature revives and inspires us!
While spending time in nature with my sons, my mind was flooded with ideas for art. And that turned into a passion to guide others to a deeper connection with nature through walking, drawing, and watercolors.
I now teach several multidisciplinary art classes online on the Outschool platform. I truly love teaching my students! My dream is to create an online art school that encourages children and adults to explore and connect with nature and their creativity!
My own art is always about our relationship and identity with nature. This might sound a bit eccentric (I'm an artist after all!) but I really feel like the ideas for my art come through me from some divine, wise, and noble source!
This beautiful nagging necessity to make art spills over into my art lessons for my students. Because in an age of rapid environmental and technological change, humans return to their innate wisdom of slowing down and paying attention to natural world around them. Guiding other to make nature-inspired art is more than just a passion for me, I truly feel it is my purpose for being alive!