I am fascinated by the beauty, variety and intricacy of the botanical world. The colors, shapes, and patterns of flowers, leaves, and fruit have inspired artists and crafts people thoughout the ages and continue to inspire me. As a self-taught artist, photographer, designer and gardener, my favorite subjects are the ones that grow around me in nature or in one of my garden plots. Collecting and reading books about art and design, color theory and botanical illustration are favorite pastimes.