My true self can be found between brush strokes and melodic
movements of a pen. I’ve been this way ever since I can remember, as
if passion for art was engrained in my soul from my first breath.
Despite never being able to formally study the fine arts, my
inherent passion drove me to practice all art forms. The very fibers
that make up my being are literal pieces of art, and I see that in
everyone I meet and get to know through my life’s journey.
I grew up on the coast of the southern Indian Ocean in KwaZulu
Natal, South Africa. In 2010 I moved to the other side of the world,
Washington State, with my husband.
Since then, we’ve welcomed two boys into our family. When our oldest son was just over a year old, we found out he had autism. We enrolled him into Encompass when he was 18-months old and he continues to benefit from their services to this day. Little did I know early on that while he was going through a unique journey, I was going through one all my own. While giving myself completely to my son, I found that true selflessness to others is the glue that holds the artful fibers of my being together. So many others have given themselves freely to my son, and with gratitude it is in this giving to others freely in which I am most happy and at peace.
I ran my first summer art camp in 2015 and my soul was enriched in the success of the beautiful children that joined me there. And while 2016 brought some unexpected family matters, 2017 is a year I’ve dedicated to freely giving of myself again. I now spend much of my time surrounded by beautiful works of art from summer camps, events, art classes for adults and children, and birthday parties.
Art is everywhere, if you take the time to look – and I love seeing that in the people I meet, the things I get to do and the places I get to go. It’s where happiness is found and stored – and I hope to share that with so many more for as long as I can.
