What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love the creativity and flexibility of my work. Following nature’s seasons and my own body’s rhythm is extremely important to me. My family gets the best side of me when my cup is filled – mentally, physically, and spiritually. I can be more responsive and in tune with other’s needs. Every day is different and the ever changing problem solving is exciting!
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is finding a good balance of our needs and wants. Nothing can happen in isolation and there is a constant rebalancing, but so it goes with life! We are meant to seek truth – finding this along the journey is important. Sharing hope and love with others is equally as valuable. Spending time with family and also spending time alone with our own thoughts. Working hard, but allowing ourselves to play hard. Output and input. Finding our strengths and talents, leaning into them but also being a lifelong learner with a growth mindset. Life is full of happiness!
What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear has typically been “missing out” and being alone, but lately I have come to appreciate all the opportunities and relationships I have had in my life. We are connected as humans and our life experiences weave together a beautiful tapestry.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Control. I have a hard time letting go and trusting that others will be able to put in as much effort or care as I can. Even if they don’t, being okay with things that “aren’t in the plan!” I am working on it!!
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Torsten Wolber. I have taken an online course from him and appreciate his masterful skills and personality so much. He has achieved a seemingly effortless balance of realism and abstraction. He knows himself well and has had a remarkable career as an illustrator, instructor and painter.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I struggle with finding a balance of exploration and delving deeper into an idea. The fear of missing out or stagnancy creeps in and sometimes I feel like I should be doing more… or less! I suppose this is all self doubt. It is also both exhilarating and infuriating when a painting comes out exceptionally as a surprise!
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I am most happiest in my work now. A steady stream of work is laid ahead, my work is solidifying in voice and I have a good balance of home and work life. It has taken some time to learn to be patient with myself, but I am very content at the moment.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
Perhaps learning to trust that things can and will work out even without my intervention. Impatience is a difficult thing! Sometimes ideas and situations need more time than I initially allow for.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I am thrilled that my work has been shown in several galleries as part of juried shows, that it has been chosen to be featured for a literary contest where a prose was written about it and that I have collectors across North America and Japan.
Where would I most like to live?
I would be okay living somewhere where we had shorter winters (or dare I say no snow!). However, given most of my family and friends live here in Ontario, this is the place for me to be ☺
What is my most treasured possession?
My home. This is where life with my wonderful husband, our three boys and our bearded collie are forever inspired by one another. I am grateful for the life and love I have! We enjoy hosting, spending time with one another and also spending those quiet afternoons on our own. We garden, exercise, cook, play and learn here. There are so many happy memories and I know many more to come.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I’ve been told my clear communication is a strength. Being direct and striving to make sure there is a low floor and high ceiling for possibilities is really important to me.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Our waterfront in Port Perry is absolutely inspiring! There is a waterfront trail, playground, natural habitat, historic downtown, harbour and best of all, a wonderful sense of community. It is well known in the area and regularly draws people looking for an inspirational day.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
That Place on Queen and Pickles and Olives! They both have done a wonderful job creating a welcoming atmosphere and honing in their craft of food and drink.
What books influenced my life and how?
Fewer Things, Better – Angela Watson – Focusing on doing less, but with more intention and focus. This relieved me of guilt where I felt like I was failing or not good enough. It gave space and permission to let some things go and make room for valuable growth.
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert – Discussing the creative life how inspiration works. Where the inkling of “this is beyond me” is validated. How a life of creativity is so much more full and we have nothing to fear.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain – Betty Edwards – Unlocking how artists see and developing critical skills to pursue a life of art. Things are so clearly described and the exercises are immensely helpful
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron – Making room for daily journaling and self reflection eventually led to making room for daily art making. Although I don’t keep up with the journaling, I know this was pivotal in realizing I can build healthy habits.
Calmer, Easier, Happier Boys – Noel Janis-Norton – Although this is seemingly unrelated, it really isn’t. This book was a wonderful reminder to what my kids (any kid, really) needs. It somehow reconnected me to my own childhood version and was a fresh look on life.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I have been rediscovering movie soundtracks. I love the drama of them and having played in and conducted many concert bands, it brings back happy memories all while going on a theatrical journey. There is a parallel in my paintings as we have a finite time to tell a story with all the dynamism we can.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Aslan from Narnia. Such quiet power and deep strength. Kevin McCallister from Home Alone because of his problem solving and creativity!
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My heroes in real life
My heroes in real life are my kids. They have such resilience and wonder for life. It is a constant reminder to our adult worries and life that sometimes we just need to see life through their eyes. I appreciate them so much and am forever indebted to the lessons they have taught me!
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The Matrix and Inside Out – Both are movies that have repeatedly come up in conversation and timelessly relevant to life.
What role do stories play in my life and work?
Stories are important. They are a point of connection for humanity. We are designed to hear and share stories. We see ourselves and others in the stories we share. We learn from them. We record what has happened. We grieve and process through them. We share wonder and joy. They are a wonderful well of inspiration!
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
This means that we have agency to make decisions and choices that can affect how our life turns out. Our perspectives makes an enormous difference. Looking for answers, seeking the truth, making an effort to share hope; these are choices and we can have a wonderful life if we choose to!
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My partner in crime is most definitely my musician husband, Mike. We have grown and learned so much together over the past twenty years both professionally and personally. I am so grateful for him and appreciate that we can continue to delve into life with unmatched passion!
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
Villager Puzzles
International Rhino Foundation
African Wildlife Foundation
Wilder Institute
Volunteer Encounters
International Wolf Center
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Jane Goodall Institute
What project am I looking forward to working on?
I am looking forward to the Art of Conservation – an international art show with 50% of proceeds going to different conservation efforts! The artists and collectors involved are wonderful and it is for a good cause!
Where can you see me or my work?
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
“Passion Never Retires” means that you have a whole lifetime to explore and enjoy your passion! If you are truly passionate about something, it will be something you want to do for the rest of your life. The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Allison Barrow
Patty Bowman Kingsley
Kristina Johnston
Chrissie Wysotski
Adelle Purdham
Jessica Archer
How can you contact me?
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