Artist Statement

I have so much gratitude for my artist mother who encouraged and taught me how to paint at a young age. We shared our love of wildlife while surrounded by the Alaskan wilderness. It was an environment that crept under my skin and became a permanent devotion. We spent hours drawing and painting animals during the long and dark winters. I was joyful and honored to win first place after entering my very first juried art show.

Wanting to thaw out and attend college, I picked an opposite climate in Arizona. However, I quickly found that I missed the Alaskan wildlife. That emptiness led me to join the Phoenix Zoo. Surprisingly, there were no bears at the zoo and that in turn led me to join the Wildest Club in Town (an auxiliary to the Phoenix Zoo). We raised four million dollars selling and installing engraved bricks allowing us to bring Spectacled Bears to the zoo!

Those beginnings inspired a variety of philanthropic efforts; most recently Artists for Lahaina which is sponsoring an auction of art for rebuilding the historic town. I am actively planning an African safari river cruise as my next travel adventure in search of interesting subjects, both fauna and flora to paint and further promote their needed protection.

Message to my Art Viewers

We cannot sit idly by and let the endangered animals end in extinction from the environment and sadly, mankind. We owe it to the next generations to be good stewards and protect these phenomenal animals. Their innocence is reflected in their eyes, and those eyes speak to me. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I speak with my art! My paintings reflect today’s status of threatened animals and their habitat. I am motivated to capture the plight of at-risk animals to attract attention and create a wave of commitment to conservation and preservation.

Why did I enter this Contest? 

Entering the Endangered Fine Art & Photography Contest gave me the opportunity to illustrate and communicate the threats facing endangered animals. A special incentive for me was that donations go directly to The Center for Great Apes. They provide permanent sanctuary and care for rescued and retired orangutans and chimpanzees. And, then there was my own childhood experience. Art4Apes encourages young artists by allowing them an opportunity to be seen and heard. They are the future.

My message to other artists

Please do join me in supporting endangered animals and the environment through your individual art. You’ll have a platform to inspire others to help as they view and/or purchase your art. You will make an impact. Art that tells a story has been around since we lived in caves. It is an effective tool to communicate a very important and urgent message.