It all began a long, long time ago, around 1977, when I was a very little girl in kindergarten. So young to have such passion, a passion for my art that I was creating with all of my paints, markers and colored pencils, much like Sarah Garveys' (one of the characters in Odd Velvet). I always wanted to be drawing or painting instead of playing outside with my friends. I felt different from everyone, I felt odd.

Fortunately, I went on to attend a high school with a fabulous art department, where my teachers helped me to explore different mediums and techniques. They influenced me greatly! By the time I got into college, I had no doubt that I wanted to be an illustrator, however, I wasn't sure what kind. I began developing this character with a big oval head, huge round wire-rimmed glasses, red pigtails, a purple dress and candy cane striped legs. She became the subject of most of my illustrations and I had no idea why, what to name her, and especially what to do with her. So off to New York I went, to find inspiration among the Great Masters at the Museum of Modern Art and from all of the fresh art coming out of the SOHO galleries. During the trip, my friend Kelly introduced me to the work of two incredible children's book illustrators, Henrik Drescher and Lane Smith. Sparks flew, light bulbs lit, bells were ringing… I knew just what to do!

I went on to receive my Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995, from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Shortly after, I sent my portfolio full of illustrations of the unnamed, redheaded girl around to a few different children's book publishers. Roaming for months across the U.S. the unnamed, redheaded girl had made it all the way to California, to Chronicle Books. It was meant to be. Chronicle Books had this wonderful story, written by Mary E. Whitcomb, called Odd Velvet. The unnamed, redheaded girl had found her new home at Chronicle Books, but most important of all, she found her name.

Working on Odd Velvet was an absolute dream come true for me. There is no greater personal fulfillment than to tantalize the eyes and imagination of a child. I feel that everyone can relate to this story because all of us have felt some time in our lives like an outcast or different from others. I know I sure did! The whole experience and process of illustrating this book with the staff and team at Chronicle Books was amazing and unforgettable!

All of the illustrations in Odd Velvet were rendered with color pencil, chalk pastels and a whole lot of heart and soul! I have also used these mediums to create whimsical greeting cards for Gibson Greetings, Inc. in Ohio, where I reside with my hilarious husband Rick. Although I mostly keep myself busy painting murals in homes and businesses throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and spending good times with my family and friends!