Growing up, my art-teacher father provided every avenue of creativity to me and my three siblings - from paint & canvas, pastels, and pottery, to buying me my first sewing machine when my interests turned to fashion design, and building a darkroom to show all of us how to develop film and photographs. Being a teacher, money was tight, and during the summers, we would all help him with his "jobs" to make ends meet. It didn't matter the job - he could (and would!) do everything from making custom canvas banners with vinyl lettering to screen printing t-shirts for various sports teams and fundraisers, and building furniture and rehabbing houses. What little spare time he had was spent fixing up our own house, watching This Old House (sometimes yelling at the TV how they were doing it wrong!), and playing his guitar. My dad was an official DIY'er, creative, talented and passionate about what he did. He loved to share his passion with others - I think that's why he became a teacher, and surely why he involved us in his projects, even knowing it would slow him down and there would be mistakes made!

Looking back, I marvel at all the things my dad could do - and do well! - and I realize I've inherited a lot of his skills, talents and certainly his desire to create and to share my passion and creations with others. Those early life lessons and support for creativity shaped who I am today. When I pick up a paintbrush or hammer in that final nail on a project, my thoughts always return to working with him, watching him, learning and enjoying every single moment of making something from start to finish. My dad has been gone for over 13 years, but when I create, I am almost back in his workshop, working side by side with him, enjoying the process, while eagerly anticipating the final product. That is why I do what I do.

Photographer | Artist | Designer