I discovered my love for art back in high school in Troy, Montana. Growing up in a small town surrounded by breathtaking mountains and endless natural beauty, I found myself inspired by the world around me. I spent countless hours in the art room, experimenting with paints and techniques, and falling in love with the process of creating. Back then, painting felt like second nature—a way to express myself and connect with the beauty I saw every day. But as life moved forward, I slowly drifted away from it. My new family, work, and the responsibilities of adulthood took over, and for years, my brushes and paints sat untouched.

It wasn’t until much later, after some soul-searching and a longing to reconnect with something meaningful, that I picked up my brushes again. This time, it felt different—more intentional, more passionate. I realized how much I had missed the way painting allowed me to tell stories and connect with the world on a deeper level. With a renewed sense of purpose, I began exploring new techniques and subjects, finding joy not only in the act of painting but also in sharing my work with others. Looking back, I think that time away gave me a greater appreciation for the gift of creating, and now, every painting feels like a celebration of the journey that brought me back to it.