My Story

I live south of Vancouver, near the ocean and surrounded by huge trees and colourful shrubs. Except for the closeness to water, this is a dramatically different environment from where I grew up — at a uranium mine in Northern Saskatchewan and barely south of the Northwest Territories. Biting winds, a huge fierce lake, delicate Lady Slippers tucked into the woods, and Northern Lights that sang to us on winter nights. A place that inspired AY Jackson and a place that inspires me still today, This early experience with nature, years sailing the Gulf Islands and offshore trips, and my passion for creating wildlife gardens profoundly influence my art.

I’ve always had the creative bug, experimenting with gold and silver jewelry for a time and a camera at hand for scenic photos. Never though, did I think of being a painter until partway through a law career when I took time out to be at home with my sons. For a few years, I painting with a focus on social commentary and was fortunate to be selected for exhibitions before returning to my career.

After I retired, I volunteered and wrote a book called ‘Sun Dogs and Yellowcake’ about that long abandoned uranium mine: Gunnar Mines.

Then one day, I found my old paints in a closet and my love for painting reignited. I had developed a strong interest in abstract art and that was where my art journey began again.

There’s no adequate way to describe the fulfillment and joy one has when finally following a dream. I’m awfully glad to be here.