My career shift from CEO of my own leadership consulting firm to full-time artist was a direct result of these words of wisdom from my 96 year-old mother during her final hours in hospice:
"I’ve thought a lot about what I would say to you when this day came, what I might say so you'd really hear me, how I could turn these last moments together into a gift. I have one important regret to share with you, and it's not about what I did with my life, it's about what I didn't do. Over my entire lifetime I always found an excuse not to fully pursue my gifts as an artist. Work, then family, then caring for your dad, then finally losing my eyesight… always reasons that put my desire to create on the back burner. You have the same gift I had, and I've watched you shelf it just like I did. So, after 96 years on earth, here is my best advice – use your gift, develop your talent, and shift your entire focus to creating art, to letting the world know what you can do. If you don't do this now, and I mean right now, you never will. I'll be with you the whole way."
On December 1, 2019, exactly one year after my mom passed, I closed the doors to my consulting firm, set up my studio, and began painting every day. My work is a life force that absolutely lights me up, and it’s a cherished legacy from my mom. I love what I do, and I hope that shows in my work.
I have worked under the guidance of the Chapungu rock sculptor Amos Supuni and most recently under renowned contemporary artist, Nicholas Wilton. I am currently an active member of the Art2Life Academy and the Art2Life Creative Visionary Program.
My work has been seen in the Conde Nast magazines Vanity Fair, Vogue House and Gardens, GQ and World of Interiors.
I'm currently represented by Sandstone Gallery (Laguna Beach, California), Galerie Sonia Monti (Paris France) and Singulart.com My work is in the homes of collectors from across the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK and South America.
As a nod to my "other career" and training, I hold a Doctorate Degree in Education Policy, Leadership and Change from the University of Southern California (USC).