I discovered the world of encaustic back in 2004 at one of Andrea Bird's first collage and encaustic classes. I'll never forget the smell of beeswax and Jack Johnson tunes floating around the room. Since that time, I have become more and more enamored with the medium. It seems to take on the elements of other art forms I have played with. The brilliant colours of acrylic, the textures and rugged nature of pottery, the softness of watercolour. All this, and the added bonus of working with a heatgun and scraping tools. Yum.

I find myself attracted to landscapes, often using photo transfers of trees taken around my home or on the road. Swirling shades of blues and whites or warm earthy tones are a large part of my work. Seeds, leaves, dried herbs and feathers usually make their way into the wax. Each piece is signed with my 'hanko', a name stamp carved for me while living in Japan.

My latest work has been inspired by my recent travels in Thailand and Japan with my family. Seeing new and familiar places through my children's eyes helped form a new lens with which to enjoy the world around me. My view of home and perception of the present moment has changed as a result. Each painting reflects a different part of the journey. The presence of family, community and our deep connection with the natural world around us is of great inspiration to me.

I am thrilled to have been part of the group encaustic show: The Whole Ball of Wax in Toronto this past September and am very excited to be presenting at the 5th International Encaustic Conference this coming June! The community of encaustic artists is a warm and welcoming one. I am very much looking forward to more adventures with this medium. You never know where a ball of wax and a blowtorch will take you...