It was the middle of May and the Nightfish smelt were moving in and out of the surf. The sun was shining through the fog, creating this brilliant skirmish of light dancing about the water. I was diving, and from the corner of my dive mask I saw the ocean light up in brilliant silver and blue. The giant school of Nightfish swarmed in front of me, responding in a wave to a gesture from my hand. I was fascinated by their reaction. This ephemeral moment sparked an emotional connection between me and this familiar yet foreign environment. I believe my creative drive comes from these emotional connections.

I was introduced to my favorite medium, egg-tempera, by wandering through an art gallery in a small coastal Oregon town. This magnificent little painting by a local painter was hanging on the north wall of the gallery. The light was hitting it from the south, and the deep translucent layering of color moving in and out of the panel mesmerized me. I knew at that moment I would learn to paint with egg tempera.