And I’ve got a few things to say about HAPPINESS.
I believe that HAPPINESS is like food, sunshine + water.
It’s not frivolous — it’s mandatory. An undeniable human right.
We need it. We deserve it. And we can find — and create it — in limitless ways.
For me, happiness isn’t usually about cupcakes, balloons + manic cartwheels across the lawn.
Most of the time, it’s an experience of stillness + simple contentment.
I find happiness in those moments when my mind stops chattering + nattering, and I simply feel OK with what I’ve got … OK with what I’m creating … OK with who I am.
I make art because it makes me happy. Simple as that.
But I also make art because I want to create everyday moments of happiness,
I find happiness in those moments when my mind stops chattering + nattering, and I simply feel OK with what I’ve got … OK with what I’m creating … OK with who I am.
I make art because it makes me happy. Simple as that.
But I also make art because I want to create everyday moments of happiness,
for YOU.
Everything I put into the world — from rainboots, to iPhone covers, to paintings and prints, to downloadable printables, e-books + worksheets — is designed to serve as a token of happiness.
Everything I put into the world — from rainboots, to iPhone covers, to paintings and prints, to downloadable printables, e-books + worksheets — is designed to serve as a token of happiness.
A reminder that you need — and deserve — to feel GOOD about your life.
Because when you're content with what you’ve got, you stop fighting with your heart …
Because when you're content with what you’ve got, you stop fighting with your heart …
and your happiness can’t help but bubble out.
You start to unravel your wild + colorful dreams — and take those dreams seriously.
You find untapped reserves of enthusiasm + energy.
You take big, brave strides — and say YES to adventures.
You inspire other people, simply by existing.
You grant other people permission to find happiness, too.
(It’s kinda like a pandemic virus — except AWESOME.)
This is supposed to be my ‘official’ bio, and I probably ought to include some impressive
You start to unravel your wild + colorful dreams — and take those dreams seriously.
You find untapped reserves of enthusiasm + energy.
You take big, brave strides — and say YES to adventures.
You inspire other people, simply by existing.
You grant other people permission to find happiness, too.
(It’s kinda like a pandemic virus — except AWESOME.)
This is supposed to be my ‘official’ bio, and I probably ought to include some impressive
credentials + a list of my juried awards + accolades … or maybe a lofty Artist’s Statement. (Yawn.)
But honestly? I’d rather just leave with you this:
Be brave. Be happy. Live color to the max!
But honestly? I’d rather just leave with you this:
Be brave. Be happy. Live color to the max!
: I am 100% self-taught in pattern design and in business — and I’ve never had a “real job” (unless you count my brief stint as a piano duster, at age 15!)
: I started my career by exhibiting in juried art shows — but once I discovered how to create pattern designs on my computer in 2008, it was true love! I started a blog, began licensing my patterns to manufacturers, and never looked back.
: I have a BFA in painting and a minor in French. One day I will use that minor when I own a houseboat in Amsterdam and visit Paris regularly. Quelle merveille!
: I recently moved from Atlanta to Portland with my husband, our 2 cats, and a trunk full of glossy paint. We’re setting up our new home — and I love posting behind-the-scenes photos and other bits and bobs from our new life on my blog.
: I'm in the middle of my first fitness boot camp program — which meant waking up at 4:45 am to prepare for an hour of running up volcanoes, leaping, stretching, pumping iron + general insanity. I feel extremely tough, awesome + disciplined!
: I just released my first e-book — JUMP. TRUST. REPEAT. — and I’m awfully proud of it. It’s a collection of real-world stories + practical guidance for aspiring artists who want to go pro. You can learn all about it, over here.
: I am left-handed. Which means (most) scissors feel funny.
: I didn't see the ocean until I was 17 years old. But don’t worry — I’m making up for lost time, now that I live on the west coast.
: I have a weirdly morbid imagination … which doesn't exactly show up, in my artwork.
(This is probably a good thing.)
: I dream every night. In vivid color.
: I think you are mighty fantastic. And if you’re thinking about quitting, downshifting or giving up on your dream … don’t. Not yet. Trust me on this.
