I grew up on a small island in the Salish Sea. Its environment remains a major influence on my studio practice. The materials I rely on include oil, gouache, ink, and charcoal with supports such as rag paper and birch panels. Sometimes I incorporate fabric, mostly linen – that I dye, stencil or embroider – as well as cardboard and found wood scraps. I like that these materials come from nature, whether as pigments, trees, or plants. Working with gouache is especially satisfying. Its inherent properties – rapid drying time and lush saturated colour inspire endless experiments with simple ideas around colour, shape, and composition.