My Journey
I grew up on Vancouver Island, spending most of my childhood outdoors — swimming in the ocean, collecting crabs and starfish, crawling through blackberry brambles, and building forts. These early experiences shaped my art, which often features themes of water and nature.
I stayed on the Island into my young adult years before moving to Fort Frances, Ontario at 27. At 31, I moved farther east to Thunder Bay, where I’ve settled for the time being. Living by Lake Superior, hearing seagulls again, brings me a welcome sense of home.
My Mission
The intention behind my artwork is to bring awareness and acceptance of transgender and LGBTQ experiences to the greater public. Through my works I hope to spread trans joy, and also to allow the viewer to experience the hidden aspects of trans and queer life. My work is also drawn towards themes of body/being, drag, sexuality and femininity.
Fueled by a passion for exploration, I constantly seek to grow my artistic skills. I have tried my hand at many mediums over the years, and art has become my outlet of expression, relaxation and creativity. I need to create something physical, that exists outside of paint or paper, so my art has expanded into stained glass, sculpture and movement. My ink and digital illustrations purposely switch gears to capture uglier feelings, homophobia and transphobia, exhaustion and frustration. I enjoy working in ways that defy the limitations of artistic expression and capture a moment of time and feeling.
Shows & Publications
Exhibition at Gallery 33 - August 2022 - January 2023
Solo exhibition at Curvy Chick Boutique - June 2023
Thunder Bay Pride Street Festival (vendor) - June 2023
Publication in Northern Ontario Pride Connection “Test Life Real” Zine Issue #1 - March 2024
Rebuilding The Circle Exhibition at the Co-Lab Gallery, Goods & Co. - May 2024
Thunder Bay Pride Street Festival (vendor) - June 2024
Liminal: 37th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition at Definitely Superior (DefSup) Art Gallery — Sept to Dec 2025
Publication of “The Emo Ambush” in Queer Country Crossroads - an anthology of short stories and poetry by Caitlin Press (Dagger Editions) - October 2025
Appearances
Behold: Diana! Podcast by Borderland Pride - Episode 12 - Oct 2020
Out of Context with Caitlin Hartlen Podcast - Episode 10 - Mar 2021
Behind the Curtain short documentary about Thunder Bay drag queen Shaela Vie - May 2023
Stream Queens Trans Discussion panel with Tharona Shade - Dec 2023
Education
Introductory to Ceramics - Lakehead University (2022)
Bachelor of Arts - History - Vancouver Island University