I have always been a creator, beginning with woodworking—crafting wooden toys for my children inspired by animals, knights, and castles. The joy of bringing ideas into tangible form sparked a creative drive that carried through my professional and artistic endeavors.

 

As a PhD geologist and computer programmer, I spent a decade researching and publishing on global plate tectonics before transitioning into professional software development. While these paths required precision and structure, I found myself drawn to artistic expression—something more fluid and personal.

 

My early influences came from my mother, who captured nature’s beauty in watercolor and pen and ink, and my stepmother, Bonnie Maresh, who helped my understanding of composition. Recent classes that I took with Canadian artists Mike Svob and Brian Buckrell deepened my appreciation for shape, value and color. Artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Franz Marc, and Matisse inspired me to see nature as something to feel as much as observe.

 

The discovery of fluid art marked a turning point in my creative journey. Its spontaneous, unpredictable nature mirrors life, offering a transformative outlet for self-expression. Fluid art also helped me to be more free with color and to experiment. Sara Taylor’s You Tube videos inspired my interest this dynamic medium.

 

From the precision of science and software to the freedom of fluid art, my journey has been one of discovery, learning, and transformation. Whether I’m painting, building, or coding, the heart of my work remains the same: a deep desire to create something meaningful and share it with others.