My Background
When I reflect on my life I see a pattern of creativity and personal connection. Born in Ottawa, I moved to BC as a young adult, and I've explored a lot of Canada, by car, plane, train, bus and motorhome.
For 25 years I lived a dynamic life in Victoria and I'm proud to have supported myself by doing things I love.
I went to CDI College, and after 3 years working with Internet and computer retail, I wanted a more active lifestyle, so I went to the gym.
I am a dancer and quickly discovered a passion for fitness. As a Fitness Facilitator, I became a popular Water-fit Instructor and watched attendance increase from 10 to 50 participants. I volunteered for the Senior Centre, went to Camosun College and became a Community Care Giver for the biggest company on the Peninsula. As a side business, I sorted and organized with clients to de-clutter their spaces.
The woman in the photo has recently gone to her happier place. Less lonely, I hope. She didn't know how much I was changed by our friendship.
Along the way, I gained experience in painting interiors, and other trade work, such as flooring installs. These occupations gave me flexibility and the capacity to have art in my life. I had a studio at home, and was a live model and professional Face Painter for over 20 years.
Festivals, events, art exhibits and live performances acted as my Creativity Canvas.
Yet, as we know, change is inevitable.
Our world has been rattled and something had to give. It took a few detours, and over 30,000km on the road to find a new direction.
Today I have a home in Halifax, a job as Resident Manager, and a partner who is a wealthy source for all things to do with building construction, renovation and Project Management. With me in school to become an Interior Decorator, we are a dynamic duo!
Opportunities are on the rise and I'm living in the realm of possibility!
My Medium
For 8 years I designed and decorated the interior of my apartment in Victoria. I sat for hours at a time, studying it, getting up and down a dozen times, to move something around, even an inch, until it's just right. There were Vignettes everywhere, drapery and walls painted in bright colours. I hosted art sessions for a group of four to six.
It was a work of Art and Design.
Paint, clay and items in nature are a few of my favourite mediums. I am at home with Nature and support sustainable design advancements.
Building art installations and getting dirty in the garden are extremely satisfying activities for me. I decorate, paint and move furniture a lot.
Whatever space I'm in is a medium to work with and my techniques are becoming more sophisticated.
My Inspirations
In my spare time, I'm at the beach or hiking, and my creations are often influenced by nature. I'm inspired by the idea of meshing nature with simple and modern.
In the Interior Decorating program, I am training to use my skills and imagination, in a way that balances my left and right side brain. I'm filling my tool belt with what I need to turn those 'someday conversations' into reality.
I've always cared for people, and now I will care for their homes. Living in place. That's a privilege.
When I'm working with a client, my focus is on them. My reward is to see them start excitedly, be comfortable and secure during the process, and then be thrilled when they see the results.
That's where the magic is.