I guess my first memory is that one of the things I would do is draw. I liked to draw with coloured markers and crayons pictures of women with really elaborated hairstyles as I was obsessed with really long hair I would draw the hair all the way down to their feet and they would have these buns on tops of their heads and I would draw dresses that were basically triangles.
What are you working on right now?
I have quite a few things going right now but I guess I'm really just working on creating more art and work. The other thing I'm working on is a few workshops later on this year.
What do you like the most about working in your medium? And what are some of the challenges of working in this medium?
What I like most about it is that I love paper. I remember when I was studying and there was this paper shop across the street and I would go in and just start sweating because it was all so beautiful. There was scrapbooking paper and handmade paper. The possibilities are endless because there is so much one person can do with a piece of paper. I am really attracted to the textures and colours of paper. I just think paper is really beautiful. My challenges in working with paper is when someone asks me what I do and I say I work with paper and they think "oh you work with origami." So it can be a little tricky explaining your craft. I guess I would like to explain what I do a bit better. Another challenge is that it takes a long time for me to complete a piece and it's very physical and I often run into wrist pain and shoulder pain which means that I cannot create as much as I want to as quickly as I want to.
It's kinda tricky to know why I am so compelled to do what I do. I always feel like I have to do it. I get moved by colours and textures. I will have things pop in my head and I will think yes this is what I have to make and I will make it go from my head to the page. I just have to do it - like eating, I just have to create for my general wellbeing. There is nothing else to it.
Do you think about the relationship between artist and viewer when creating?
I do and I don't. I think probably because I have a background in design and illustrating in a commercial way so that's there in my mind and I have a certain satisfaction that comes just from making. But I do get a kick from someone else getting a kick out of it. It is something that comes from inside me so if I can find someone who has a connection with that it is great! I just make what I think is cool. Everything I do is just because I really want to do it.
What are your thoughts on exhibiting art in non-traditional platforms, outside the formal spaces of art museums and galleries?
I think it's fantastic! I think it's great! I love seeing art in those spaces. I just want to see art and connect with art everywhere. Even though I'm an artist, I will sometimes go into a gallery and feel like a don't belong but I think art is not just for certain people and I think art should be for everyone and it should be out there in the world. I don't think art is limited to just painting, it's unlimited. It's just really important and I would just hate to think of someone missing out.
In your view, what are some ways that artists can impact their communities?
The first thing I would recommend is getting involved with Papergirl! That's my number one way of getting involved. I think it's just so amazing if you have a gift and you can share that with someone. I have never heard from someone who has been gifted my art but I think it's really cool that it is just out there. You are part of a group of artists that is much more than a gift of art.
How do you participate as an artist in your community?
Papergirl! It's been so rewarding to do both the gifting and sharing of my art but also in volunteering with the project I can see how it has impacted people over the years. Also through workshops and connecting people with art. I am obsessed with being creative but not everyone has that so it's cool to be able to help people connect with that. I think it's really important for artists to support each other. Especailly with female artists as it's hard to be a women and have a career as an artist. So I think it's important to go to shows and connect with people. It is also really important for artists to lift each other up because the more strength we have the further we can go. I am also a part of a women's artist group and that is a great way of supporting other artists.
It would be love. It's love. Do I need to say any more than that?
Tell us about the piece you have donated to Papergirl Vancouver.
It is part of my tiny art series and it is a little framed party hat. I was awake at 4am one night and I decided that I really really wanted to make tiny paper art with my off cuts and I thought okay I'm up and I'm going to do it! I chose the party hat because it's kinda fun to think of someone having a Papergirl come up to them and when they open up the gift to find a tiny party hat!
To wrap up the interview, if you could be a bike what kind of bike would you be?
I would be pink and sparkly and I would have streamers and a basket with flowers and I would be jazzy. Just a friendly bike!