Growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the outdoors were never far away.  A vast majority of my time was spent exploring the back roads and hidden fishing streams and lakes in the area. My dad started me early in my fishing carrier armed with a pocket fisherman and an independent (stubborn) way of learning things on my own.  My mom gave me the passion for art and being creative.  Both encouraged me to do my own thing and be happy with my way of life.  In high school I split my summer days with baseball and fly-fishing.  Trips with my dad to Ennis, Montana really spurred my drive to get better at fly-fishing and get further away from “the dark side”… spinner fishing!  My Dad and brother took great pleasure when I would eventually put down the long stick and pick up the spinner combo.  In college is when my art drive hit high gear.  Majoring in art for the first two years I learned how to use many different mediums.  Most of my art always had an outdoors theme to them while in school.  After getting married I switched from art to wildlife management major.  Not wanting to be a starving artist, I changed majors to be a starving and traveling biologist. Taking many temporary seasonal positions with state and government agencies throughout the United States, my art was always there with me. Teaching myself how to do everything from tying flies to carving decoys, I was always working on something.  While working at Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Southeastern Oregon, my fascination of drawing and painting things close up began.  Being so close to ducks and fish gave me a great reference for material.  The majority of my work was given away as gifts or auction items for fundraising purposes.  Moving to Wyoming in 2003 to be closer to family we settled in Casper and had our first of three girls.  I am now a full time fishing guide for the Ugly Bug Fly Shop on the North Platte River in Casper.  Having more reference first hand every day in my boat has focused my art on fish. I try to make paintings and carvings to look like fish that I, or my clients have held.  I have completed a few “catch and release” pieces off of pictures.  One of my favorites is of local guide Blake Jackson holding a nice brown we caught at the Miracle Mile section of the North Platte last November.  Many of the guides I work with have asked if I could put fish on their fly-boxes or help them decorate their homes.  I started placing fish on fly-boxes with Sharpies here in the last year, so it is an ever-evolving art process.  I have done Tarpon; Steelhead spawn and chrome; Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout.  I have even done a Mirror Carp and some Stoneflies.  As in all areas of my life I am always striving to expand and improve my artwork and willing to try new things.  Cliff boxes are made right down the street from the fly shop here in Casper. So I have a great working relationship with the owner and he is always giving me ideas to try.  I enjoy seeing the individuality of every fish caught, and every day having inspiration literally in the palm of my hands is a great blessing and joy!