Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about your journey of becoming an artist?

I have always been artistically inclined and have experimented with many materials and forms, from pencil and charcoal, to wood burning and macrame. However, I’d never really experimented with paints and had always felt a little intimidated by paints and paint brushes. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I retired from my job and was suddenly faced with a heightened anxiety surrounding the unknown. During that season, I was confronted with some major life changes. These included the shock and sadness surrounding Amber’s MS diagnosis and the loss of my beloved father. After I gave myself some time to process and navigate my new normal, I pulled out an old art kit that a dear friend had given to me and started putting paint on paper. It quickly became a form of therapy for me! Through months of trial and error, I found my niche painting landscapes and still life on wood. I’ve been in love with it ever since!

What inspires you? What factors have played roles in the development of your painting style?

I am deeply inspired by nature. I love the way that light and shadows can impact the beautiful green and gold shades present in leaves, the way that simple dashes and dots of white paint can replicate movement in the water, and the way a simple flick of a gnarly old brush mimics blades of grass dancing in the breeze. It’s all very exciting to me! I’ve never really considered myself an artist, but rather a creator of art. I have always loved working with my hands and creating beauty from the unexpected. When I first started painting, I used watercolors, but I didn’t enjoy the lack of control. I also tried oil paints, but was sensitive to the solvents. Eventually, I found that painting with acrylic paint on wood allows me to incorporate abstract grain patterns into the artwork — it’s one of my favorite details of my art.

We’re thrilled to feature your pieces in Amber’s new collection with Four Hands. What has been your favorite part about working with family in this capacity?

Watching Amber do what she does every day is something I could have never imagined for her, yet I always knew that she was destined to do something extraordinary with her life. Being included in even the tiniest part of her work is a thrill. It fills me with a pride that’s impossible to describe. I am truly honored beyond words.

Working with Four Hands has also been an incredible experience for me! They have been so kind and patient throughout the whole process. They’ve even been helpful in teaching me some tactical marketing skills! I’m extremely impressed by the drive and devotion of the Four Hands team.

I was so excited to hear that Amber and Four Hands had joined forces in this collaboration. It’s such a perfect match — a beautiful blend of creativity and business expertise. I honestly can’t thank everyone involved nearly enough. The support has been incredibly humbling.

Happy Mother’s Day! Could you share a bit about what motherhood means to you?

Happy Mothers Day! I’d like to acknowledge and celebrate all the loving and supportive moms in my life. My mom Joan, my sister Shelley, my daughters Amber, Lyndsie, and Tess… I love you all to the moon and back!

Ever since I was old enough to babysit, I knew I wanted to have children. I started having kids pretty young and always felt that we sort of grew up together. If you were to ask me to define motherhood in a word, that word would be everything. If we listen carefully, our children will teach us how to be their parents. Each child is so very unique and comes into our lives with their own agenda, spirit, personality, and needs. We watch them grow and try our best to guide them and keep them safe. And we try out best to do so without bending their spirit too much or making too many mistakes, which is nearly impossible! Being my kids mom has been the most joyful, life-changing, uplifting, heart-melting, heart-breaking, self-doubting, mind-bending, task-juggling, and love-filled experience of my life.

I have 3 pretty great kids, Amber, Ryan and Lyndsie, whom I absolutely adore. They make me feel loved and supported, and always keep me on my toes! Each of them are so different from each other, yet are each beyond kind-hearted, generous, devoted, funny, feisty, hardworking, and free spirited. I’m so proud of them and the parents they are to their own kids. I’m also proud of the partners that they’ve chosen to raise their kids with and share their lives with. I’m forever thankful to them for making me a very lucky Nona to 5 extraordinary grandchildren and one little turkey!

What does a typical day-in-the-life look like for you?

My day starts pretty early. I’m usually up before the sun comes up, but I really enjoy the stillness and quiet of the early morning. There’s a cozy place in my house where I sit, meditate, and drink my coffee as the sun rises. It’s a lovely way to begin the day. I try to paint every day for at least a few hours. However, painting is not my only pursuit. I am an Esthetician and Birth Doula / Childbirth Educator by trade. I’ve recently retired from my 29 years as an Esthetician, so now I focus my attention on painting and birthing babies. For me, it just doesn’t get much better than that!

What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you as an artist? Or, what advice would you share with others as an artist yourself?

About a year ago, I had become very frustrated with my painting. I mentioned to my boyfriend Gordon that I was thinking about taking some art classes. I had never taken an art class and I thought it may help me break through the rut I was in. His response was, “Don’t do that! You already have everything you need to know inside of you!” That really stuck with me.

If I were to share some advice with someone who was interested in exploring art, I would say that if it’s something that you’ve felt called to do, just do it! It’s been such an amazing journey and form of expression and healing for me.

What’s next for you? Where can we follow along with your work?

I don’t really have expectations, I just have tons of gratitude, appreciation, and a desire to keep doing what I love to do! I guess we’ll see where this journey takes me! I’m excited and open to all the possibilities.

Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?

The Sierras, driving north along the 395, and the central California coast!

Favorite painter to date?

I am in love with Renaissance impressionist artists, but I don’t think that I can pick a favorite. However, when Amber took our family to Italy in September (my first time), I sobbed standing in front of Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’. It was a very unexpected reaction, but it was like love at first sight.

Favorite space in your home?

My painting space at the dining table.

Most-used item in your art studio?

I have a few favorite brushes. I only ever use my 5 favorite colors, plus black and white.

Current favorite art medium?

Wood, acrylic paint, and oil crayons!