For as long as I can remember, I have been an artist.

I have an uncanny attention to detail, and at a young age, I could replicate almost anything. For years, Christmas was a time of commissioned artwork, sketches of children's faces given as gifts to spouses or grandparents.

After a time, the enjoyment of realism faded, and I found myself drawn toward abstract expressionism. During my years in high school, I won several awards for my artwork, one from a local art gallery.

Nevertheless, I decided to pursue an education in graphic design. For 20+ years, my career was in design, marketing and communications, a decade spent in Toronto before moving back to my hometown of Sarnia.

It was a loved career with brilliantly creative people who taught me new perspectives and skills I utilize every day. But after a difficult couple of years, it was time to make a change - it was time to return to my passion.