I grew up as an only child in Hawaii. My formal education in art started in college, however my exposure to art began at an early age. As a child, I spent two weeks every summer with my grandmother in California. My cousins would also be there, and together we were encouraged to have a path for the day. On this path were things we had to do as well as things we wanted to do. This included piano lessons, swimming lessons, gardening, haiku writing, and drawing. Often I added sewing and mud pie making to the list. Inspired at a young age to write and make things, I continued to do so on my own instead of in a class setting. It was in college that I realized I wanted to pursue an art degree. I received my BA (Applied Design) in 1995 from San Diego State University and my MFA (Furniture Design) in 1999 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I now live in Vancouver, British Columbia where I wear many hats – new mother, artist, editor and explorer. I recently decided to take a risk. I have put away all my familiar tools and look forward to what comes next.