Nature-Inspired Art: Finding Balance Through Creativity
Art has the power to inspire joy—a feeling that is a natural part of being human. In these fast-changing times, it can offer much-needed relief and a sense of calm. I find joy in sharing this experience through nature-inspired pieces designed to create a sense of sanctuary. My respect for the natural world has led me to create a collection of contemporary and arts-and-crafts designs that complement a variety of interior spaces.
In 2019, my husband and I moved from just outside Portland to the Albany area. Our home is surrounded by oak trees and borders beautiful farmland, providing a peaceful setting that inspires my work. I take time each day to pause, listen, and connect with nature, which has deepened my appreciation for life. My passion is to bring that connection into my daily life and reflect it through my art. I’m especially drawn to the beauty of leaves—fascinated by their variety in shape, color, and detail—and I try to capture that essence in my mixed-media work.
Before this, I spent 25 years as an interior designer in Portland and Eugene. In 2009, with my husband’s encouragement as a fellow artisan, I founded Sanctuary Designs. My creative process is meditative and intuitive rather than structured. I let ideas develop naturally while working with watercolors, acrylics, and pen-and-ink. My 3D collages, greeting cards, and journals often incorporate objects I collect during nature walks. I’ll go through hundreds of leaves just to find the few that truly speak to me.
My work isn’t driven by political, social, or gender statements. It’s not about technique or making a spiritual declaration. For me, it’s about finding balance between the heart and the mind—creating from a space that feels authentic. Nature helps me slow down, breathe, and approach life with clarity and calm.