Artist’s Statement

I believe artists have a gift and responsibility to collaborate with divinity and nurture our capacity for wellbeing. Give love a voice, whether humorous or dignified.

About

I was born and raised in New Mexico where much of my time was spent outdoors. My imagination and sense of support and belonging were generously nourished by nature and story. I was part of them and they were part of me. My family created a nurturing environment where beauty, exploration of meaning and the arts, and familiarity with the wilderness were encouraged.

I left New Mexico for the University of Redlands (CA) where I studied world religions and mythology, meditation, fine and performing arts, psychology, and literature. I graduated with honors from the University of Redlands’ Johnston Program in 2015. While in school, I co-taught a course on Jungian fairy tale interpretation with Dr. Fran Grace and completed a thesis exploring Greek Goddess archetypes in personal psychology. Outside of the classroom, I attended and volunteered for the Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center and participated in The School of Lost Border’s New Mexico Women’s Fast (later training in that organization’s month-long wilderness retreat facilitation program in 2018). College also afforded me the opportunity to travel to Ireland and the UK to study theater and early Christian sites.

While working as a licensed massage therapist in New Mexico, I sought continuing education with Cathy Black, M.A. as well as courses with Sandra Ingerman and Fredy Puma Quispe Singing (2017-2022). I also began designing and leading workshops, like Gaialoguing©, which focused on mutual wellbeing of self and Earth, imaginal work, myth, and feminism. My artistic endeavors included performing as lead singer for the band Jasper & Grace and working with local artist Julie Claire. In 2019, I took a hiatus from massage to attended the Aegean Center for Fine Arts. In 2020, a second semester at the Aegean Center turned into a year of portfolio building due to pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions. In addition to private commissions, I have sold my work at the annual Placitas Studio Tour and other local markets. I have been a featured artist in the Fuller Lodge Arts Center Gallery in Los Alamos, NM as well as Art Mozaik Fine Art Gallery on Canyon Rd. in Santa Fe, NM.

I am currently based in New Mexico, working as an artist, musician, and retreat facilitator.