I grew up in SW Portland with avid mountain climbing parents and an intellectually/mentally/physically disabled brother. As a child, I was always outside in nature, and this lush Pacific Northwest nature has greatly influenced my art. Additionally, the experience of living numerous times in Europe and seeing the infusion of art into daily life also inspired my work.

Colors and structures inherent to plants, animals, and the ocean, as well as Czech and Hungarian folk art designs, provide me with endless sources of inspiration. In regard to plants, I am deeply moved by their presence, especially when near a large gathering. A nursery, the Columbia River Gorge, or even on a walk in my neighborhood after a good rain are great examples. Shapes and colors seen and then hidden by ocean tide pools are another source of inspiration. Finally, Czech and Hungarian folk art embroidery influence my work because of their strong, abstracted plant-like forms and patterns.