As a first generation Canadian of a German mother and Dutch father I was instilled with great pride and opportunity as a Canadian. I was born in Prince George, where I was surrounded by heavy industry and experienced harsh "Canadian" climate conditions. Later I moved to the coast, to White Rock, where I enjoyed coastal life and was inspired by the beauty of the West Coast.
I began my studies in Fine Arts at Kwantlen College, and after two years of study transferred to UBC to complete a Bachelor of Fine Art in 2001. I journeyed in between studies on regular trips to the West Coast on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, where I was inspired to create many of my images. I have since completed the Professional Development Program at Simon Fraser University in Secondary Art Education, and have worked as a teacher on call in Burnaby, Vancouver, and North Vancouver.
Exhibitions include a winter exhibit of student art at UBC Design Arts Gallery and a graduation show at the UBC Asian Centre in 2001. Future exhibitions are in progress, involving an exploration into my family history. I have also recently become a duel citizen of the Netherlands and plan to teach and travel in Europe.