Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

Nothing inspires me more than living within the raw beauty of the Northwestern landscapes of Washington, USA. Incorporating nature’s magic into my illustrations makes the fictional elements feel more accessible.

What's the purpose or goal of your work?

In whatever creative space I am operating in, I want to tell stories. They have a very special power to change hearts and empower those who feel lost and beaten down. I want to inspire people of all ages to explore the world around them and their souls within.

how has being queer impacted your work?

The unfortunate circumstances of the culture I was brought up in fed my curiosity and wonder. Creativity became a necessity for survival. I went a long time thinking that my art and my gender/sexual identity were independent of each other, that is not the case. I’m finding that the more I learn and accept myself, the more that is reflected in my work. Queer artists have the rare ability to express tragedy and hope in a meaningful way that people of all backgrounds can take within their hearts. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this community.

Why are your illustrations so dark?

There are a few reasons. I am naturally very sensitive to light so colors that are darker for everyone else are more intense for me. Because of this, I have come to enjoy low lit environments and themes in my work. It is also why I wear these rose tinted glasses! Bright colors give me headaches.

What mediums do you use for illustration and design?

I work mostly digitally on my iPad Pro using the app Procreate. I also will use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator when working within a team. I like to mix mediums like gouache, colored pencils, and pastels. When fooling around in my sketchbook, I will typically use graphite, alcohol-based markers, and ink. I find that my strongest work combines both traditional and digital mediums.

Who and what are your biggest artistic influences?

In no particular order…

The Provensens, Arnold Lobel, Jim Henson, Judy Garland, Angela Lansbury, Francisco Goya, Ivan Bilibin, Mabel Lucie Attwell, Helen Stratton, Erté, The Bayeux Tapestry.

Where did you receive your education?

Thanks to my grandmother, Kathleen Andersen, I started my artistic education at a very young age. She taught me the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sewing, and craft. I went to Weber State University where I earned my General Education Degree and received a vast amount of knowledge in the art and theatre programs. Since then, I’ve taken my education into my own hands by reading various books and completing online courses on subjects that weren’t available to me at university. I enjoy doing projects that will teach me new skills. I learn best in these conditions.

What are your favorite books?

Adult Novels

The Wicked Years series. Gregory Maguire

And Then There Were None and other novels and short stories by Agatha Christie

Evidence. Mary Oliver

Children’s Literature

The Wizard of Oz series. L. Frank Baum

The Little Mermaid. Hans Christian Andersen

The Juniper Tree. Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm

George’s Marvelous Medicine. Roald Dahl

The Stranger. Chris Van Allsburg

Thunder Cake. Patricia Polacco

A Lion in Paris. Beatrice Alemangna