I was born in Toronto, Canada, and now call Hawaii home, where my passion for art has come full circle. Since childhood, drawing was my refuge, and those early days spent playing with friends in the woods taught me to appreciate the ever-changing beauty of the seasons. Growing up, my dream was simple: to turn my love for drawing into a lifelong career.
After graduating from the Ontario College of Art and Design, I sketched pen and ink drawings of women's fashions in Quebec City for a trendy store's newspaper ads. There, I met my future husband, John Collette, an artist, and we moved together to his hometown of Boston. Our shared love for art took us on a journey through the major museums of Europe, where I was captivated by the centuries-old technique of etching with its delicate detail and rich tones.
Upon returning from Paris, life took a turn as I settled in rural New England. Inspired by the picturesque countryside, old farmhouses, and weathered barns on Cape Cod, I created a series of pen and ink sketches with watercolor, laying the foundation for my early etchings. As I delved into etching and drypoint engravings on copper plates, I experimented by adding aquatint to enhance texture and tone, making each piece uniquely mine.
While much of my art reflects the charm of the New England countryside, the beauty of Hawaii has also woven its way into my work. My creations are in galleries worldwide, notably in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Japan. Publications have featured my watercolor etchings, and they proudly grace numerous private and corporate collections.
Over the years, my prints have earned the People's Choice Award at the Annual Honolulu Printmakers Show and have been selected by Japanese corporations for their annual calendars. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support that has allowed me to pursue my passion for many years.
Traveling to New England and Japan has been a joy, allowing me to connect with longtime and new collectors. It warms my heart to hear that my art brings a beautiful moment of tranquility to their lives. As I explore the delicate balance between control and spontaneity in my work, I aim to create images that capture the fleeting dance of light and shadow. I hope my fascination with the beauty surrounding me shines through in my art for you to enjoy.