Before relocating to Southwest, MO in 2012, I grew up in the rolling hills of Oklahoma in Osage County at the end of an old dirt road called Thistle Lane. I spent my childhood taking care of animals, riding horses, hiking and exploring the hills, trails, creeks, bluffs, and abandoned railroad tracks on our family's land. I was fascinated with history and imagined stories of the people who lived there in the not-so-distant past. This has provided me with a strong connection and passion for nature and the beauty and stories in the details that are often overlooked.

Life in the country contributed to my interest in art at a young age. We lived next door to my grandparents and my Grandma was a painter. She gave me my first lesson in drawing. I have taught myself many different art forms since then from drawing and painting to cake and cookie decorating and beaded jewelry.  But I fell in love with photography and its ability to transport us to another place and preserve a moment in time. When I have a camera in hand, searching for the details I want to capture, the rest of the world disappears. Along with that, I am passionate about the hands-on craft of creating physical art and I love texture! I decided to combine the two to create one-of-a-kind pieces where I mount my photography and add a hand painted texture overlay. I also add a few more fun details but I'll let you discover those.

Most recently, I have delved back into jewelry making with polymer clay. I have had a blast with this light and versatile medium and its endless creative possibilities. It has been a fun addition to my artistic repertoire.