My Story
With roots in both art and marine science, my creative path has always been closely tied to the ocean. Years of diving and swimming have given me an intimate understanding of marine life—its beauty, complexity, and fragility.
Through bronze sculptures and expressive abstract paintings, I translate these experiences into visual form. My work celebrates the ocean’s vibrant life while drawing attention to the urgent need for conservation.
The ocean is more than a subject—it’s my second home, and through my art, I hope to inspire others to protect what we’re so lucky to have
Background
With a background in art, marine biology, and oceanography, I’ve explored the ocean firsthand through diving and swimming, experiences that deeply influence my work. My bronze sculptures and vibrant abstract paintings celebrate the beauty and fragility of marine life, aiming to inspire conservation and awareness.
One project close to my heart is the Stingray Awareness public art initiative, inspired by my frequent encounters with stingrays on local beaches. With over 30,000 stingrays near the San Gabriel River alone, this project promotes safety and education, including the simple yet vital “Stingray Shuffle.”
A highlight of my career is Fever, a sculpture exhibited at the National Sculpture Society in NYC, reflecting my deep connection to the sea. My mission is to protect our oceans and educate others—through art, action, and advocacy.
About Sustainability
Every creation serves a purpose: to educate and instill love and respect for sea life. While nothing compares to the sheer joy of being in the ocean, I aim to motivate viewers by portraying its beauty, encouraging them to embrace its role in supporting the world beneath the waves. Join me in this journey of understanding, appreciation, and preservation.
Creating art is a lifelong, joyful, and educational journey for me—one that blends environmental awareness with creative expression. My work aims to both inspire and inform, using beauty to spark conversations about ocean conservation and the natural world.
For over two decades, I’ve explored a variety of mediums, but bronze sculpture and oil painting have become my primary forms of expression. My bronze works, including The Fever, reflect my deep connection to marine life, capturing both its grace and vulnerability. Being a member of the National Sculpture Society in New York has allowed me to share these pieces on a broader stage and take on meaningful commissions.
Much of my inspiration comes from the ocean itself. Growing up in California, I’ve always found peace and perspective in the water—especially during long ocean swims. The rhythm of the waves and the silence below the surface help me find creative flow and clarity.
Through my art, I seek to bridge emotion and ecology, inviting viewers to not only admire the ocean’s beauty but also consider their role in protecting it.
FORMAL EDUCATION
1998-2000 Palomar College, San Marcos, CA, Fine Art Degree
1996-1998 Palomar College, San Marcos, CA, Graphics Arts and Design Degree
1983-1985 San Diego, CA San Diego State University, District Teaching Credential
1980- 1980 University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, Bachelor Degree Dance
1978- 1979 San Diego State University, Dance
1976-1978 United States International University, San Diego, CA Dance
1973-1976 Palomar College, San Marcos, CA, Associate Arts Degree
WORKSHOPS
Sebastian Capella, La Jolla, CA. Spanish Impressionist Painter
Perrieta Hester, La Jolla, CA. American Artist Co-Foundry of the San Diego Portrait Society
Jeff Watts Atelier, Encinitas, CA.
Robert Watts, Plein Air Instructor
Ron and Vanessa Lemen Studio 2nd Street Art School
Bill Perkins Workshops, Pasadena, CA
Mike Olgenmeyer Workshops Laguna Beach, CA
Michael Streinagle Workshops San Diego County, CA
Mau-kun Yim Workshop, Encinitas, CA
EXHIBITIONS
2021 Wild & Beautiful, San Diego Botanic Garden with Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance
2015 Forest & Ocean Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
2014 Del Mar Art Gallery, Del Mar, CA
2007- 2019 San Dieguito Artist Guild, Encinitas, CA
2020 Present, Corner Frame Shop & Leucadia Art Gallery, Leucadia CA
2021 Center on the Center, Huntington Beach Art Gallery, Huntington Beach, CA
2019 Inspired, the 6th Annual Artist Council Exhibition, Huntington Beach Art Gallery, Huntington Beach, CA
2019 First California Exhibit, National Sculpture Society Gallery, New York, NY
2019 San Diego Artist Guild San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego, CA
2015 Forest & Ocean Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
2015 Front Porch Gallery, Carlsbad, CA
2014 La Jolla Artist Guild, La Jolla, CA
2012 Solo Show Larry Stein Gallery Hillcrest, San Diego, CA
2006 Escondido Artist Guild, Escondido, CA
2011 San Clemente Artist Guild, Plein Air Competition, San Clemente, CA
2010 San Clemente Artist Guild, Plein Air Competition, San Clemente, CA
2009 San Clemente Artist Guild, Plein Air Competition, San Clemente, CA
2008 San Clemente, CA2008 San Clemente Artist Guild, San Clemente, CA
2007- 2020 Off-Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2011 to 2017 Open Studio Life Drawing Art Studio Coordinator, North County of San Diego, CA
2003 to 2010 Palomar Community College Adjunct Art Instructor
2006 to 2007 San Diego Community College Associate Professor of Older Adults, San Diego, CA
2009 to 2020 Board of Directors, San Dieguito Art Guild, Encinitas, CA
PRINT MEDIA
August 9, 2019: San Dieguito Art Guild Member wins acceptance into the National Sculpture Society. “California Sculpture Exhibition”, Encinitas Advocate, Encinitas, CA.
May 25, 2007: “Locals bring out their artistic sides,” The Arts The Coast News, by Chrystall Kanyuck, San Marcos, CA.
Awards
September 2024 Garibaldi Baby, Bronze Nomination: Small Scale~Reno Tahoe International Art Show, NV
July 2024 Oceanside Piew, Oil Painting~ People Choice Award, Honorable Mention Joe’s Art Supplies, San Diego County Fair
July 2023 Cardiff Rowboat, Oil Painting ~ Second Place, San Diego County Fair
July 2022 “the Fever”, Bronze Sculpture ~ First Place, San Diego County Fair
August 2019 Sunny Day, Oil Painting ~ HM, Spanish Village Art Center, San Diego, CA
August 2018 Waimanalo, Oil Painting ~ HM, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
May 2018 Swami’s Steps, Acrylic ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
January 2018 Solo Dancer, Bronze Sculpture ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
January 2018 Reflections, Oil Painting ~ Second Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
January 2017 Cardiff Tracks, Oil Painting ~ Best in Show, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
November 2016 Swami Sunshine, Oil Painting ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
October 2016 Grand Cardiff R&R, Oil Painting ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
June 2016 the Contender, Oil Painting ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
October 2015 Cardiff R&R, Oil Painting ~ Best in Show, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
July 2015 The Trio, Bronze Sculpture ~ Front Porch Gallery, Carlsbad, CA
January 2015 Lilly Ponds 2, Oil Painting ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
June 26, 2014 Ocean Dancer, Bronze Sting Ray ~ First Place, San Diego County Fair, CA
June 24, 2014 Hotel Germania, Oil Painting ~ First Place, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, CA
June 14, 2014 Hotel Germania, Oil Painting ~ People Choice Award, Enc. Plein Air Competition
May 25, 2014 San Onofre, Oil Painting ~ Third Place, Summer Show, San Clemente Artist Gallery
2013 Best in Show, San Dieguito Artist Guild, Encinitas, CA
2013 Second Place, San Dieguito Artist Guild, Encinitas, CA
2013 Portraits, Honorable Mention La Jolla Art Association, La Jolla, CA
2007 First Place Oils, San Dieguito Art Guild, Encinitas, CA
2007 Honorable Mention, Oils, San Dieguito Art Guild
2006 First Place, Oils Escondido Art Guild, Escondido, CA
2006 Honorable Mention, Oils, Escondido Art Guild, Escondido, CA
2005 Honorable Mention, Oils, Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, Carlsbad, CA
2003 Honorable Mention, Charcoal, San Diego Fair Fine Art, Del Mar, CA
2000 First Place, Charcoal, San Marcos City Hall, Fine Art Show, San Marcos, CA
1999 First Place, Digital Design, Del Mar Fair Graphic Design Art, Del Mar, CA
1998 First Place, Digital Design, Del Mar Fair Graphic Design Art, Del Mar, CA