I was an odd kid. I loved all things colourful and spunky with patterns, my clothes were never styled and my socks never matched.

I did everything I could to express creativity (I even remember that my elementary teachers used to call me the Crayon Queen!) I knew from Day 1 that I was inspired by all things artsy, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I realized the depth and passion I had for it.

I used to sit on the floor with my Uncle and Sister and would colour with crayons, paint with watercolour and sketch with pencil for hours on end. Painting became not just a hobby but a way of life.

I can’t imagine myself breathing or living without it. This passion guides my practice and fuels my inspiration. Every time I approach the canvas, it’s like my five-year old self is standing right there with me, exploring mediums and becoming overjoyed with playing with paint.

I paint for her, I paint for my uncle and I paint to express that same kid who doesn’t wear matching socks and is unphased by the boundaries of creativity.

I am inspired by many things, it is truly hard to pick just one. My top 3:

• All living things

  • I am inspired by the beautiful creatures and nature of the world. I constantly find myself in awe of this place we call “home.” From the rocky mountains to deep sea oceans, seasons changing and creatures we make friends with, they all leave me in utter disbelief of how I am so lucky o live and winess a world like this; and this is the ultimate inspiration of my work.

• My Family

  • As I said previously, my twin pillars that have influenced my creativity the most are my Uncle and Grampa. I sat with them for hours on end doodling, painting and colouring and was introduced to this beautiful form of expression. Without them, I am not sure if my passion would have developed to this extent. I paint to stay connected to them, it’s as if they are there with me everytime I pick up a brush.

• Myself

  • I remember my five-year old self like the back of my hand. I was energetic, creative, silly and full of what I like to call “bubbles,” or little, delicate orbs of joy. This little girl didn’t know the world I know now. She didn’t know pain, heartbreak, or inconceivable happiness. All she knew was that drawing and sketching made her feel alive, full of life and surrounded by nothing but happiness. I paint to keep the child part of me alive; full of playfulness, energy and laughter.

With the new year and my 22nd birthday, I told myself to pick one word that would describe what I hope for 2024 and would guide my actions for this year. This word is “growth.”

My goals:

• To grow a supportive, loving community of friends and fellow artists

• To share my art with every country in the world

• Work so hard that I can pursue painting full-time

• To grow my artistic practice through exploration and play of various mediums and concepts

• To build a successful list of collectors and get my work into a few coffee shops and galleries