Sparks of Inspiration: The Story Behind My Art

How did I get here? Why colored pencils? Why draw on wood? How long does it take? These are the questions I get asked all the time when people encounter my art. The truth is, my story feels pretty normal to me—it’s my story, after all—but it’s filled with little moments that led me here, pencil in hand and wood beneath my fingertips.

A Childhood Full of Art (and a Few Murals)

I’ve been smitten with art since I was just a wee one. My mom loves to remind me of my early “mural phase” when I turned our walls into my personal canvas (maybe I missed my calling as a muralist?). Apparently, art has been in my blood since day one, though I’ve been on quite the journey to discover exactly where it fits in my life.

I have these tiny glimpses of my past—like breadcrumbs leading me to who I am today. I remember the moment a teacher told me I was a good artist, the thrill of making my own comic book, and my (slightly obsessive) habit of designing dresses inspired by Fiona’s gown from Shrek. Yes, that Fiona. Dream big, right?

College and a Professor’s Words That Stuck

Fast-forward to college, where I fell hard for art history, studio art classes, and eventually teaching. One watercolor class stands out—my professor was eccentric, inspiring, and unapologetically himself. He became my spirit animal. For our final project, he pulled me aside and said, “Don’t lose this. If you go into teaching, you’ll get consumed by your students. Don’t forget your talent. You’re too good to let it slide.” I was floored—and flattered—but then, naturally, I dove headfirst into teaching and got wonderfully consumed by my students.

Those years teaching high school were some of the best of my life. I adored my students, and they left lasting impressions on my heart. But I never forgot my professor’s words.

Nature’s Call and a Big Break

Due to the amazing wages of teaching in Utah (read: not amazing), I picked up a part-time job at an outdoor gear shop in Ogden. That job rekindled my love for the mountains and the wild. It wasn’t long before it became my full-time gig, offering me both the time and gear to fully embrace the outdoors again. Nature worked its magic, reminding me of who I was and what mattered most to me.

Then, one day, a friend stumbled upon some of my old art and—behind my back—signed me up for a local art event. To my shock, I got accepted! Suddenly, I was scrambling to create pieces, starting with a little series of outdoor-inspired cards. To my surprise, they all sold. Every last one. That moment was a lightbulb for me: Maybe I should do this more.

Wood: My Artistic Soulmate

Then one winter night, I had a dream. In it, I was drawing on a large panel of wood, and it felt so right. The next morning, I couldn’t shake the image. I even skipped a big powder day (serious dedication) to rush to the hardware store and try it out. The moment my pencil touched that wooden panel, it clicked. It felt like coming home.

Since then, I’ve embraced this unique canvas—working with the grain, letting it guide and enhance each piece. Every piece of wood has its own personality—swirls, grains, knots, and quirks. I like to think of it as a collaboration: the wood brings its natural flair, and I bring the colored pencils. Together, we create something that’s textured, dimensional, and full of character.

Movement, Color, and a Dash of Whimsy

My art is all about bringing life and energy to the table—or, in this case, the wood. I love creating pieces that feel like they’re in motion, like a wildflower caught in the breeze or a tumbleweed on a mission. And let’s not forget color! A splash of neon here, a bold line there—it’s my way of saying, "Hey, don’t take life too seriously."

Why I Do What I Do

Art isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am. It’s my way of pressing pause on life, getting lost in the details, and finding joy in the process. It’s also how I connect with others, whether it’s through a piece that speaks to someone’s soul or by inspiring creativity in my family. My goal? To create art that makes people smile, sparks conversation, and maybe even gets passed down like a treasured story.

What’s Next

The journey isn’t over—far from it. I’m constantly dreaming up new ways to push the boundaries of what I can do with colored pencils and wood. Whether it’s diving into new themes, adding even more playful elements, or sharing my work with new galleries and collectors, I’m here for the ride. My art is my happy place, and I’m thrilled to share it with you—quirks, colors, and all.