Why are you passionate about kids’ lit?

I have always been drawn to the visual narrative of kids' books and the freedom it provides as a viewer, artist, and reader. I love the experimentation and permission granted in the medium. I want to share that sense of freedom with children, both as an illustrator, and as a parent.

Why are you passionate about art?

Art is my way of engaging with the world. It is how I share and relate my experiences, process and understand my life, and it is how I share my love. Children's books are the first introduction to a visual language that many children have, so the messaging we share is extremely meaningful and important.

What food do you snack on when you read?

When I read or create work, I eat chocolate and drink coffee. I switch to tea in the afternoons, but chocolate is a pretty steady companion.

What is your favorite book and why?

I don’t have a favorite book, but I do have a few books I return to over, and over again. One of my favorite series of YA novels is Garth Nix’s, Old kingdom series, and in particular, Sabriel. I read it for the first time in the sixth grade. I have read it once a year ever since. I listen to a to of Audiobooks. I love narration and listening to stories being read to me. Peter and the Starcatchers is one of my favorite audiobooks of all time - I love the storytelling.

A recent book you’ve read that changed you?

One of the books that still haunts me is, “A little Life,” which I read as an audiobook. I’ve only been able to read it once, but it was so incredible but very intense and triggering. I haven't been able to re-read it, but I find myself thinking about the complexity of the characters, the tone of the narrator, and the story itself just blew me away. We read it in a book club, and when we tried to speak about it, we were silent because we were all still processing what we read.

What social justice cause is near and dear to you?

Which one isn’t? We are all interconnected. I can see the ripples of one cause impacting another. As a woman and member of the LGBTQIA community, I have been wrestling with my own identity, as a mother, Pansexual, artist. Questions I have been asking recently is how do I make my art accessible to everyone, while still making a living. How do we break down the barriers of cultural institutions and celebrate creativity in its fullness? I believe that creativity has provided me a framework to relate and create really beautiful and dynamic relationships. I want to provide a space and be a person who can facilitate these connections and relationships for others.

What does community mean to you?

Community means belonging. It means a village of support and presence, and it’s something that isn’t limited to geography. It’s a spiritual connection that transcends and provides a sense of security and validation.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers about yourself, or your work?

Currently, I am a practicing artist, mother, and educator. I have published two children’s books, have a studio practice in Stamford, as well as a fellowship at the Norwalk Art Space. In 2023, I launched a mural business in which my goal is to make my work as accessible to as many people as possible.