I have been interested in art and creative endeavors for as long as I can remember. My biological mother was in art school when I was given up for adoption (a LONG time ago) and with that knowledge my family has encouraged me all my life to pursue the creative world wherever I showed interest. My mother's earliest memory of my artwork was while I was in the highchair. She gave me a pencil and paper and proudly proclaims that I drew eyesglasses in perfect perspective. I have seen that piece in recent years and I can't say that I agree, but that is where it all began. I wasn't pushed, poked or prodded into this. I was born to it...it chose me. For that, I am most grateful and love my family for recognizing there was something there inside me and stood behind me all the way. Perhaps I need to frame that for my studio to remind me of my most humble beginnings and of the wonderful family I have.

I have a degree in commercial art & advertising design, which included various drawing styles, design, typography, illustration and photography. Our class were pioneers in graphic design on Macintosh computers when they were introduced in the 80s. I started working in the design and publishing industry immediately after graduation and have kept at it for over 20 years. It's a career that I have loved and has kept me up to date in the digital/electronic age which has afforded me to incorporate those particular skill sets into my art process, even if only by show work on a website or keeping my customer up to date on their commission via email communications.

In the interim since the highchair drawing I have drawn, sketch, created, moulded, sewed, and tried just about anything that tickled my fancy. I was always the kid in school that everyone wanted to draw their report covers or just draw something in general for them. Teachers pulled me aside in class to do art work for their own personal projects or school projects. They also often managed to get me into art classes with them to encourage or introduce me to new things. Teachers never get enough credit, especially when they go above and beyond to help steer a student in a direction that will enhance their knowledge. Thanks to those teachers for their encouragement and support as well! Who ever knew where that would take me and only the future remains to reveal where else I will go and how I will grow!

In the last few years I have discovered a medium that has stirred a passion in me. I cleaned out my storage space and decided it was time to put those long unused art supplies to work. They were calling my name and begging me to get messy with them. What I discovered were soft pastels. I did a few pieces for fun and that quickly turned into a passion for the process. Shortly follwing, word of mouth got business rolling. The absolute best part is seeing the thrill in the eyes of my customers when I present them with the finished piece. It's a natural high that can't be beat. I ADORE IT! Each and every one holds a special place in my heart and I get the utmost sense of fullfillment and satisfaction with each new piece that is completed. There is no better therapy than to get so absorbed into a subject and watch it transform as if by magic while I get lost painting. 

I just recently married and my husband set aside a place in his (well, our) house to provide me with a studio to further pursue  the love I have for playing in this dusty pigment he affectionaly refers to as my "crayons". What a gift of support and pride he has given me. Thank you Buck, darling. You are the newest member of my wonderful family and encouraging supporters.

Thank you for reading my story and for your interest in my work. I hope it has brought you some pleasure and maybe even inspired a spark of interest in pursuing your own creative endeavors.

All the best and cheers!

Ronda