Artist statement 

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I'm a watercolor artist who paints Florida native plants and animals, and I hope my work inspires people to know, love and protect local nature. The delicacy of watercolor helps me to capture intricate details, and to depict native species with beauty and scientific accuracy. My work often depicts the relationships between plants and animals, and features endangered or lesser-known species. I start by exploring natural areas, taking lots of reference photos, learning, and connecting with others. 

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I'm passionate about Florida environmental conservation and collaboration, and I often work with others on projects with conservation goals. I've helped create coloring books, trail signs, maps, logos, zines, trail guides, public murals and other resources. I have a special interest in the conservation of native plants, the Pine Rocklands, and Florida panthers, and I enjoy creating both small and large-scale paintings. I also write, give presentations, and lead workshops, which allow me to further share my love of the South Florida environment and draw attention to conservation. 
 

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Bio

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I was born in 1990 and grew up in Broward County, where I developed a love for art and Florida's natural areas. I was a teaching artist for 12 years at museums, preschools and afterschools. In my 20's I struggled with chronic pain, injuries and strange symptoms. My limited mobility led me to pick up watercolor and eventually fall in love with it. I was diagnosed with EDS in 2020 and am now mostly pain free and mobile. 

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I studied painting at FAU and graduated with a BFA in 2014, with an interest in translating political, philosophical, or social issues through art. I picked up watercolor shortly after graduating and environmental themes became more prominent. An event that catalyzed my interest in local conservation and collaboration was Rally for the Rocklands in 2016, a movement to stop a Walmart from being built over endangered Miami Pine Rocklands habitat. I began painting the endangered Pine Rockland species and creating resources with others to help raise awareness about the issue. That Walmart eventually got built, but I have continued to paint Florida native species, respond to local conservation issues, and make collaboration a central part of my practice.