I was born in Varkaus, Finland and immigrated with my sister and parents to Prince George, BC, Canada at the age of 9. I have travelled a fair bit, have lived in England and Barbados and now reside in Whitby, Ontario with my husband, a Beagle and a Swedish Vallhund. Our three children have left the nest.

Retired from both parenting and the insurance industry, I discovered the ability to draw in 1993 as a result of pneumonia, which recurred annually for a few years. God works in wondrous ways.

My training consists of classes in the neighbourhood fitted into life as a mother over the past ten years and a drive to experiment, fed by the phrase: what is the worst that can happen? (Carvings may turn into fancy firewood.)

I experiment mainly with acrylics, glazes, media, less often with oils which my immune system is not fond of, glass painting, sculpture in clay and wood carving.

Flowers are a source of inspiration to me. I once bent to look at a little flower in the grass, about to be mowed, and then looked closer with a magnifying glass. The experience was deeply humbling. God is able to take something as small as a flower in the field, make it not only function, but makes it a thing of beauty. All this for something which to us has no discernible purpose, save its beauty.

At this stage in my life, I also continue to be fascinated by lines, lines with curves, lines which bring relaxation and peace with them. Lines which can lead to who-knows-where.

Someone said the goal of interior decorating is to bring the outdoors in. My goal is to attempt to bring this extravagant beauty onto canvas.

I believe everyone should have at least one piece of original art in their home.

***********************************************

Since 1998 I have studied with Jay Dampf at the Haliburton School of the Arts, Tim Packer, Ruth Read, Sabrina Cordi, Gerry Divaris and others.

My work has appeared in juried shows, has won awards in the Ontario Woodcarvers' shows, and is in private collections across Canada.

Memberships:

"Ontario Woodcarvers' Association"
"Oshawa Art Association"
"Cedar Ridge Carving Guild"
"Mothers of the World" with three blessings:

- Christopher (1982), entrepreneur, artist, student
- Helmi (1984), gymnast, historian, student
- Amber (1985), horsewoman, artist, student

May He who gave you the ability to read this page bless you and lead you into the richness of life with Him.

"At the Beach"

"Helmi's Puppy"