curiosity & wonder

I was—and still am—that kid who went voluntarily to natural history presentations at the library during summer vacation, and spent time in the woods in all seasons, always with sketchbook in hand. When I learned that being an illustrator was a job you could actually have, the rest was history. Today (after academic detours through environmental science and anthropology), I’m a nature illustrator with a passion for spreading wonder and curiosity through drawing, and asking questions about the living world. I love working with nature centers, outdoor and wilderness programs, Tribal communities, authors, teachers, and creative folks of all stripes.

Indigenous ecology work

For a taste of my ongoing work with Indigenous outdoor educators in the greater Pacific Northwest region, see this page (external link) for free native plant resources, a K-12 ecology curriculum, and links to deeper engagement between humans and the natural world. I’ve had the honor to serve since 2016 as a designer, illustrator, and curriculum developer on the Tend, Gather & Grow Indigenous ecology project, which is showing thousands of people new ways (which are really old, traditional ways) of connecting with the living world around us. Since 2011 I’ve worked with a stellar group of educators, creating learning materials for and by tribal communities, focusing on health and wellness through traditional plants as food and medicine.

deeper background

I’ve been an illustrator since age 15, graphic designer since 2008, and designer and publisher of books since 2014 (publishing project: Salmonberry, an imprint of Chatwin Books). A degree in studio art, with parallel studies in environmental science and anthropology, knitted together art, language, land, story, and culture for me, and they’ve been inextricable ever since. Deep love of place and the people who care for places, has informed everything. Deep ongoing learning from Indigenous colleagues, who continue to shape my sense of what it is to be truly human, and what is possible in this world. Ongoing board and volunteer service for institutions, non-profits and NGOs in the US and abroad, keeps me curious, humble, and surrounded by very smart, generous, capable people, for whom I’m grateful daily.