Garden 8 – Vibrant

Painting is my happy place" — this sentiment guides every piece I create. Through the vibrant interplay of bright, vivid colors and my intricate techniques, I craft Mandala and Madhubani art that speaks to the soul. I also incorporate pyrography (wood burning) into my creations, blending the warmth of wood with the depth of color. I work across a variety of surfaces, including canvas, cardstock, concrete, ceramic, and wood, always choosing materials that allow me to bring my vision to life with texture and detail. Acrylic paint has become my medium of choice for its rich, thick texture and quick-drying properties, which allow me to work fluidly and creatively. My Mandala and Madhubani designs are a way for me to explore the contrasts between light and dark, pattern and texture. These art forms are not only a creative outlet but also a deeply peaceful, meditative practice for me. As I look to the future, I aspire to expand my reach by licensing my artwork, offering workshops to share my techniques, and showcasing my work in public exhibits. Above all, I hope my art inspires others to embrace color, creativity, and peace in their own lives.

I was fortunate to grow up on the beautiful North Shore surrounded by the forests and ocean. I attended Langara College where I Studied Fine Art and later Advertising and Design. After leaving a career in Advertising, I raised my 3 children and continued to dabble with art while exploring parenthood. More recently I have found the time to devote to my love of creating art. The delight I find in all of nature's colours, the power of a storm, the heady lightness of the forest, the mountains sometimes misty yet sometimes so clear they are seemingly alive, and I try to find the beauty and form in all of this for my own work.

Painting is my happy place" — this sentiment guides every piece I create. Through the vibrant interplay of bright, vivid colors and my intricate techniques, I craft Mandala and Madhubani art that speaks to the soul. I also incorporate pyrography (wood burning) into my creations, blending the warmth of wood with the depth of color. I work across a variety of surfaces, including canvas, cardstock, concrete, ceramic, and wood, always choosing materials that allow me to bring my vision to life with texture and detail. Acrylic paint has become my medium of choice for its rich, thick texture and quick-drying properties, which allow me to work fluidly and creatively. My Mandala and Madhubani designs are a way for me to explore the contrasts between light and dark, pattern and texture. These art forms are not only a creative outlet but also a deeply peaceful, meditative practice for me. As I look to the future, I aspire to expand my reach by licensing my artwork, offering workshops to share my techniques, and showcasing my work in public exhibits. Above all, I hope my art inspires others to embrace color, creativity, and peace in their own lives.

I was fortunate to grow up on the beautiful North Shore surrounded by the forests and ocean. I attended Langara College where I Studied Fine Art and later Advertising and Design. After leaving a career in Advertising, I raised my 3 children and continued to dabble with art while exploring parenthood. More recently I have found the time to devote to my love of creating art. The delight I find in all of nature's colours, the power of a storm, the heady lightness of the forest, the mountains sometimes misty yet sometimes so clear they are seemingly alive, and I try to find the beauty and form in all of this for my own work.

Bushido- 節童 ”Children of Song”, is the Vancouver/Sunshine Coast based duo of Japanese folk-inspired musicians who play wa-gakki, Japanese traditional instruments. As their name implies, their approach to music is in a child-like way, deeply embodying the spirit of joy and experimentation in the process. Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos is a master of the legendary shakuhachi bamboo flute of Japan) and a multi-instrumentalist, and has dedicated his life to learning Japanese musical instruments. Nori Akagi is a multi-instrumentalist and taiko drummer and percussionist who has been exploring a variety of percussion styles around the world for many years, but has been embracing his Japanese identity deeper than ever. Bushido’s music encomapsses a wide range of moods and flavors. Sometimes very festive and other times very meditative and spiritual. Their expressions through Japanese traditional musical instruments will transport you to ancient Japan and to our modern world…and deep within one’s soul.

Stay Tuned Laurel, Alison, and Leigh are the trio, “Stay Tuned”. A paralegal, a semi-retired doctor and a fully retired credit analyst, these friends are each performers in their own right. They initially began gathering once a week to create harmonies (and drink a little wine), simply for the love of music. Before long, they were lured out of Laurel’s basement to take the stage at one of Lynn Valley Legion’s monthly open mic sessions where they have since become regulars. Their music varies in genre (including some originals) with minimal instrumentation to showcase their mellifluous vocal harmonies. For the love of music!

Dia is a queer-led, all-women, powerhouse vocal performance trio that sings songs of hope, empowerment and justice for a changing world. Rose McNeil, Sabrielle McCurdy and Heather Olson first joined voices in 2017 and have wowed audiences with their original arrangements, beautiful harmonies and soulful performances ever since. Dia's music is best described as a blend of folk, pop and gospel, and is heavily influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlisle, Sara Bareilles, Wailin' Jenny's and the Wyrd Sisters. Dia empowers people with their music and messages, and lifts up the voices of women and queer femme songwriters and artists.

Bushido- 節童 ”Children of Song”, is the Vancouver/Sunshine Coast based duo of Japanese folk-inspired musicians who play wa-gakki, Japanese traditional instruments. As their name implies, their approach to music is in a child-like way, deeply embodying the spirit of joy and experimentation in the process. Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos is a master of the legendary shakuhachi bamboo flute of Japan) and a multi-instrumentalist, and has dedicated his life to learning Japanese musical instruments. Nori Akagi is a multi-instrumentalist and taiko drummer and percussionist who has been exploring a variety of percussion styles around the world for many years, but has been embracing his Japanese identity deeper than ever. Bushido’s music encomapsses a wide range of moods and flavors. Sometimes very festive and other times very meditative and spiritual. Their expressions through Japanese traditional musical instruments will transport you to ancient Japan and to our modern world…and deep within one’s soul.

Stay Tuned Laurel, Alison, and Leigh are the trio, “Stay Tuned”. A paralegal, a semi-retired doctor and a fully retired credit analyst, these friends are each performers in their own right. They initially began gathering once a week to create harmonies (and drink a little wine), simply for the love of music. Before long, they were lured out of Laurel’s basement to take the stage at one of Lynn Valley Legion’s monthly open mic sessions where they have since become regulars. Their music varies in genre (including some originals) with minimal instrumentation to showcase their mellifluous vocal harmonies. For the love of music!

Dia is a queer-led, all-women, powerhouse vocal performance trio that sings songs of hope, empowerment and justice for a changing world. Rose McNeil, Sabrielle McCurdy and Heather Olson first joined voices in 2017 and have wowed audiences with their original arrangements, beautiful harmonies and soulful performances ever since. Dia's music is best described as a blend of folk, pop and gospel, and is heavily influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlisle, Sara Bareilles, Wailin' Jenny's and the Wyrd Sisters. Dia empowers people with their music and messages, and lifts up the voices of women and queer femme songwriters and artists.

Dia is a queer-led, all-women, powerhouse vocal performance trio that sings songs of hope, empowerment and justice for a changing world. Rose McNeil, Sabrielle McCurdy and Heather Olson first joined voices in 2017 and have wowed audiences with their original arrangements, beautiful harmonies and soulful performances ever since. Dia's music is best described as a blend of folk, pop and gospel, and is heavily influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlisle, Sara Bareilles, Wailin' Jenny's and the Wyrd Sisters. Dia empowers people with their music and messages, and lifts up the voices of women and queer femme songwriters and artists.