My Home: My Mother’s people are Mi’kmaq/Acadian. My Father’s people are Irish. I was born and grew up in Petawawa, Ontario, Canada; a place made perfect by the local beach, deep-hole swamps, turtle ponds and the beauty of the Canadian Shield - sacred ground for a curious child. These days I make my home in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada.

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My work: I paint from my personal experiences and observations obtained from living according to teachings and a lifestyle that keeps me focussed and grateful. I have a family and community that mean the world to me. Much of my inspiration comes from a good life connected to the land when possible, and to my imagination when it's not. I try always to walk in in a way that leaves a wake of kindness and inspires hope.

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I enjoy various mediums, but my passion lies in ground mineral water colour on synthetic paper. The sometimes unpredictable effects of this platform are exciting and unique. There are few people creating in this medium and I have begun teaching to invite more people to connect to its benefits and unique nature. It is a slow and meditative process that teaches us to reduce the pace, minimize our scope, and focus on the smaller details.

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Many traditional stories and representatives of the Spirit World are prominently featured in my work. I create with gratitude for what I've been given. Each painting takes the viewer on a journey into the spiritual voice of an ancient time. I try to offer a sense of learning in my artwork and stories and I hope that comes across. 

My art focuses on teaching people a bit about Indigenous culture through art.  Along with storytelling, my work often reflects the state of our only home, the Earth. It also echoes the frustrations of my brothers and sisters who struggle with racism, poverty and conflict nearly every single day because of colonial restraints and historic trauma.

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My Mission: My volunteer work through The Art For Aid Project has become a priority for me as an artist hoping to make a difference in Canada's remote Indigenous schools. I want to create a way to ensure quality art supplies and winter land based learning gear are reaching remote community school programs. Art offers an avenue for expression and healing, and presents a way to pass the time in a constructive and beautiful way; art is a strong portal where healing and imagination compliment each other. Youth need to connect to the land in order to connect to their culture and traditional language. But that requires some expensive gear. We try to help make that happen through our land based learning support.

For over 10 years I’ve donated my time, resources and efforts to building Art for Aid. In 2021 I began to sell my original artwork to supplement our household income so I could continue to work as a volunteer. Art isn’t just something I do; being an artist is who I am in the world.

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