“An artist’s journey is never over.”
My Journey
I grew up in the wilds of Vancouver Island, BC. and spent most of my time outside. My best memories are of countless hours swimming in the ocean and collecting small critters like crabs and starfish, climbing through blackberry brambles and building forts. Themes of water and nature are frequently seen in my art due to my experiences on the Island.
I lived on Vancouver Island through my young adult years, before moving to the small town of Fort Frances, Ontario at the age of 27. It was quite the adventure to get used to the long, frigid -30° winters in the North after the subtropical climate of Vancouver Island!
At age 31, I journeyed farther East to Thunder Bay, ON and have settled here. It is great to be back at the water, this time the shores of Lake Superior, where I can hear the calls of seagulls and think of home.
Pursuit of Art
I've always had a passion for art and constantly seek to explore and grow my skills. I have tried my hand at many mediums over the years, and art has become my outlet of expression, relaxation and creativity.
My current focus is on creating pieces in different acrylic mediums; I want the art to physically stand out from the canvas and I enjoy experimenting with different textures and washes. My acrylic paintings capture my love of the ocean and nature, and I intentionally try to express freedom with loose movement.
My ink and digital illustrations purposely switch gears to capture uglier feelings, homophobia and transphobia, exhaustion and frustration. I enjoy working in stark black-and-white and this medium is my chance to let go of perfectionism and draw whatever feelings I am sitting in.
My stained glass is an outlet for my perfectionism; I strive to create balanced patterns with smooth leaded lines. I enjoy the simplicity of each step — designing the pattern, cutting the glass, grinding the shapes down perfectly, foiling and soldering. I need to create something physical, that exists outside of paint or paper, and stained glass satisfies that need.
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/LGBTQ life. My work is also drawn towards themes of bodily pride, drag, sexuality and femininity.
Mediums & Skills
Stained Glass
Acrylic paints and Acrylic Texture Mediums
Acrylic Inks and Watercolour
Digital Art
Shows & Publications
Exhibition at Gallery 33 - August 2022 - January 2023
Solo show 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
Queer Rural Stories - publication TBA
Education
Introductory to Ceramics - Lakehead University (2022)
Bachelor of Arts - History - Vancouver Island University
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 Documentary - May 2023
Stream Queens Trans Discussion panel with Tharona Shade - Dec 2023