Living in rural Maine, I am very aware of Nature. Here there are towering 100’ pines that dance in the wind, Native plants that thrive, a night sky that reveals galaxies, a river that rises and falls with the weather, symphonies of birds and bugs, and critters that share the property. Observing all this on a daily basis, I have concluded everything seeks to express and survive—and everything is connected.

Upon moving to Maine, the woods were my primary focus. Having previously lived for 30 years in urban Anchorage Alaska, the new and heavily treed environment was inspiring. For many years, I created art quilts that represented the imagery and palette of the forest.

I started painting because I wanted to depict birds in my environment. Painting gave me a better understanding of them.

My new work goes beyond my immediate environment to include all that share our planet. Years traveling throughout Alaska and now living in rural Maine are a huge influence. The impacts of climate change weigh heavily on my mind.

When I go to museums, portrait paintings are primarily of people. My decision to paint portraits of birds and mammals in a ‘formal style’ seeks to place them on equal footing with us and to encourage the respect they deserve.