I have always enjoyed working with wood. As an art student in San Francisco in the 90’s, I practiced the art of woodblock printmaking as well as painting, and my love of each allowed me to receive my BFA in both mediums. Thereafter, I continued doing both – at first mostly woodblock prints, but when ‘studio’ space became too challenging for printmaking, I focused on relearning my painting skills. Acrylic painting remained a constant in my art making, and is now blended into my latest passion – wood burning (pyrography). Combining these two art forms has felt like a happy medium for me. By incorporating wood burning into my images I attempt to create a unique way of portraying shadows and highlights within a painting. I enjoy using the tool like a paintbrush, utilizing it as color as well as contrast. Sometimes I even incorporate my old love of wood carving into the mix.