Animals and earth's natural wonders have always inspired me. I grew up surrounded by trees in a small mountain town just south of Yosemite National Park. Hiking and camping were frequent in my childhood, and even into my late teens where I'd get into trouble for being out in the woods with my dogs after sundown. My backyard had a river running through it and I could explore the forests on a whim. I grew up feeling like a wolf (albiet, I know I'm plenty human)!

When I wasn't being a wild child my big brother raised me on video games. He told me I was playing Baby Mario in Yoshi Island when I was 4. He always made me feel involved. We played all the time and I made friends through my life through games since. The shared fun (and frustration) of gameplay as well as the immersive stories! So much to sink your teeth into.

Those experiences shaped much about what my art expresses and the kind of work I genuinely crave to create. I want to tell stories, share a feeling with a stranger... and I no longer live in the woods, but I love to revisit them in my work (and in person, when I can).