I was raised in the beach town of Santa Cruz, California, and on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a wonderful gift, having been surrounded with incredible beauty for my entire life. For this, I am very thankful. My first go at a career in art, took me to the film, video, and television industry where I worked as an independent make-up artist for over 20 years. I then decided to paint on canvas rather than faces. I really felt the need to use my years of facial study and my great love of the islands as the subjects in my paintings. The Pacific Islands are very special and comforting to me. There is a spirit of sweetness that comes along with the warm and fragrant breezes. This connection has created in me a sincere respect and honor for the islands. It is my heart's desire that this admiration and love for the Pacific Islands and its residents come through in my work.