I started painting in 2011 as a way to decompress from the stresses of working as a registered nurse. What began as an outlet quickly became a lifeline—something I couldn’t imagine my life without. Painting helps me navigate the complexities of being human, and it continues to surprise me. I usually work intuitively, letting the story unfold as I go, choosing subjects and colors that feel right in the moment. It’s always amazing to see my own story emerge—and even more so when others find their own meaning in my work. That shared connection through art is what keeps me painting.
I work in mixed media and oils on paper, canvas, and wood. My style is folksy, naïve, and quirky—always straight from the heart. I often wrestle with the idea of painting “better,” but I’ve learned that my work is most honest and satisfying when I don’t overthink it. Right now, my challenge is finding the balance between staying true to myself and growing as an artist without forcing it. That ongoing process fascinates me.
I started selling my paintings during the heyday of artist blogs, opening an Etsy shop, showing in local cafés, and spending a few years as part of a gallery in Wichita, Kansas. Along the way, three of my paintings were acquired for the Art of Emprise collection at Emprise Bank. Today, I continue to share my original paintings here on my website.