I feel incredibly fortunate to be living in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California where I am surrounded by natural beauty everyday! From the forested mountains to the stunning rivers and lakes, I am continually humbled by mother nature and all of her creations. I have an AMAZING family, goats, chickens, and dogs who all inspire me and make me feel appreciated and loved everyday.

Some of my earliest memories are being in a "play pen" (which I didn't like) and my mom would be close by with her easel, painting (which I did like!)  I was so blessed to have a mom who did arts & crafts with me... ohhh, so many macramé plant hangers and paint-by-numbers! At the age of 14, I saw an ad in the newspaper for my dream job! I went to my first job interview and soon after had an official "apprentice" job in a fiber-arts studio. I was in heaven....collecting and preparing raw plant materials for the master weavers!  For five years, I learned the art and skill of basket making.
 
During college I was instinctively drawn to the fiber-arts and enjoyed learning the art of weaving on a loom with fiber.  I lucked out when my instructor said "yes" when I asked to load the loom up with wire! So for a time I created large sculptural weavings! I dabbled in fashion design, ceramics, and metal sculpture... but eventually painting on canvas got most of my attention and I ended up with a degree in Art from San Jose State University.

I'm also a credentialed teacher and Assistive Technology Specialist,  working full-time in public education, creating and providing professional development for educators throughout the state of California, which I love!  However, I've continued to have many creative outlets and have completed numerous painting commissions, murals, flowers (weddings), graphic design, and web design projects over the years.  

For me, creativity has been an integral part of feeling connected to and tapping into energies which are not seen by the eyes, but surround me, move me, and touch my spirit. Sometimes I create things for others and sometimes I create just for myself.  Anytime that is spent with paint on my hands or getting crafty is time well spent.

~Jill