I worked as a graphic designer for nearly 10 years before graduating with honors from CSU Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design in 1997. Industrial design is a mix of art and engineering, requiring a blend of 2D and 3D drawing and modeling skills to invent, render, and manufacture products. I designed many types of products including a digital acquainting appliance, an assistive drawing tool for physically challenged artists, a power rotary cutter, convertible toys, a fashionable vacuum cleaner, etc. This program introduced me to pastel to help illustrate these ideas on paper. In addition to traditional art skills, I learned many software programs on my own and was the first undergraduate student to submit a computer modeled project. I worked my way through college in the computer field, teaching and developing educational software to communicate abstract concepts in the classroom.
	Free from college, my husband and I searched California for an inspiring place to settle and start a design career. We chose Grass Valley, California for its remarkable scenery and relaxed lifestyle. We had our own computer software business, Hot Door, in which I designed software and managed international marketing and distribution. We created many products specifically for artists and designers, including Perspective (a program that draws 2D artwork instantly in perspective) and Harmony (a program that helps users choose color schemes based on the artist's RYB color wheel). By 2001, I was even busier as a new mother of two boys. I decided to stay home when other options didn't work out. But I still needed an outlet for creativity and artistic expression. While the kids were napping one day, I unearthed some old pastels and paper from school and let myself go. Within a few months I had several pieces that seemed to come to life. I joined art clubs and took painting workshops from Janis Lacey Ellison and Clark Mitchell that greatly improved my techniques and motivation. I entered my Big Sur painting and Nuzzling Foal photograph in the local county fair and received first place in each category. For a short time I was a member of PSWC - Pastel Society of the West Coast. After moving to Laguna Beach in 2003 (home of plein air painting), I shifted my focus from art, photography, and writing to tennis, music, and jewelry making. A few years passed as I lost myself in business again and became increasingly debilitated by chronic pain. Without a clear diagnosis and constant depression, I recently turned back to art to relieve my body and soul. I started with an inspiring class in wire sculpture with local artist James Koch. I collect blown glass, 3D wall sculpture, and kinetic sculpture. As an artist, I enjoy abstract, portrait and landscape art, as each type of art offers its own unique insights to life. When I create art, life is richer, deeper, and more brilliant than ever before. Art helps me see things - landscapes, people, even ideas - from different angles. And this constantly changing perspective seems to bring life alive.