Artist/Designer Biography
Creativity has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember even as a child. I have always loved colour in whatever medium I have chosen to work in as an artist and designer; be it two dimensional, 3 dimensional, in paint, fabric or photography. I am fascinated by how light affects colour in different environments; whether that light is found in a natural setting outdoors or whether it is manmade outdoors or indoors. The interplay between light, colour and environment is one I find endlessly fascinating. I am constantly exploring and trying to capture its’ infinite variations
Drawing was one of the first mediums I explored. From finger painting to lunch hour art clubs, art was always a way to express myself. Grade school and high school years included many juried art competitions from which I took home ribbons and awards.
Clothes have always held great interest for me right from when I was very young. Both clothing and colour were guaranteed to pick up my mood and brighten my day and still do. As soon as I could learn how to sew, I was creating my own colourful outfits from any fabric that I could get my hands on. Weekly fabric excursions satisfied my thirst for new creation.
After high school, I studied fashion design and merchandising at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (now University). Upon graduating with a diploma in Fashion Design and another diploma in Fashion Merchandising, I embarked upon my Fashion career. Putting both of my diplomas to good use I gained experience in design, production and retail visual presentation.
An experience with a debilitating major abdominal surgery in 1993 led me to start researching the effect of clothing on the life of someone with a disability. Extensive research, testing and close collaboration with many organizations for various disabilities and working with the Paralympic Team on a new competitive team uniform, I saw an opportunity to develop a radically different approach to clothing design. My female clients in wheelchairs solidified this idea with their repeated requests for me to make them the same designs that I was wearing. The concept of universal design and mobility sizing, which is an integral part of the Kymotion clothing line, was born.
Clothing should be inclusive, not exclusive. Everyone has the right to fashionable and functional clothing, which enhances their sense of self, allowing them to lead the lifestyle they choose and do the work they love. It is an idea whose time has come and is in fact long over due. It is something that I believe very strongly in.
With the creation of my art and photography studio, I have come back to my first love of drawing and painting and added visual presentation, photography and decorating to the mix. I accept commissions from both private and corporate clients, combining both my art and design experience to meet client’s requirements. I work creatively according to the subject matter, the client’s needs, desires, budget and deadline. This has led to versatility in styles, ranging from abstract through to realism in a variety of mediums, in order to express a wide range of ideas, emotions, thoughts and experiences. Each artistic endeavour is an adventure to bring what is on the inside to the outside, to enhance the spaces in which people live, work and play.
This is how I measure my success; how I make a difference in the lives of the people who I create for, whether it is an individual or a corporation and in whichever medium the client prefers. I would be honoured to have the chance to make a difference in your life as well.
I hope you enjoy your journey through my creative world.
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