Please tell us about yourself.
I was born in sunny San Diego, and I had a hard time finding like-minded people who were equally into art as they were into the mystical. I found myself daydreaming of creating art where the fae people roamed, and I could foster a sense of passion for the earth and hone in my artistic skills.
The moment I stepped foot on Humboldt soil, I fell in love. I was lucky enough to study art at Cal Poly Humboldt, where I double majored in art education and studio art, gaining my certificate in museum and gallery practices. I quickly found a passion for teaching under the instruction of my art education professor Jim Wolgom.
My partner and I have co founded our business, Fig + Honey, where we are able to further our artistic works through pottery, jewelry, our own clothing brand, and even creating murals for local businesses and personal residences.
Outside of teaching and working, I have a deep love for animals. I was raised on a farm setting with horses, cows, and even alpacas. Even though my home in Arcata is smaller than my home in San Diego, we still manage to have ducks and chickens, goats and dogs, and many cats.
Please tell us about The Studio School.
Studio School has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and its children, while also engaging in fun artistic styles and learning more about the wants and needs of today’s youth.
What led you to become an instructor for The Studio School?
I knew the inspiration I could provide for kids and teens, and I wanted to reach for that goal. Being able to help foster a safe and creative environment in order to push kids to their full artistic potential. My time spent in art education at Cal Poly Humboldt deepened my passion for teaching, and I sought to create a curriculum that mirrors my love for nature and living things as well as a understanding of art history.
Can you tell us about the students in The Studio School?
The students and Studio School are children who are deeply in want of spaces to create art and foster their own creativity, and we are happy to provide that space for them.
What have you seen in terms of growth for the students that attend The Studio School?
It is always a beautiful sight to behold when children coming into the course are closed off and a little bit more introverted, but by the end of the course they’ve shared ideas and blossomed new friendships and new ways to engage in new art forms and create lifelong practices and friends.
What have you learned from the students in The Studio School?
Patience. I am always adapting my curriculum to form the shape that fits the student’s best interests. It has been a privilege to grow with them along the way, and these courses are easily as rewarding to me, as they are for the children.
