I believe that the rhythm, the cadence of stories activates a part of the brain that goes back to being read to as a child. There’s a calming effect. And when people are calm or happy, they are able to empathetically participate in story making.

I am a multimedia artist specializing in collaborative works with music ensembles. The work I do ranges from video projections, to original compositions, to animations. While I was at Sonoma State University, I majored in art and music (printmaking and piano performance). The music and art departments are on opposite sides of the campus. I’d always wanted to somehow bring the two disciplines together but could never figure out how to do it. Now with so much technology at our fingertips, it’s very easy to do this. I’m a big believer in interdisciplinary collaboration. I think the arts are so much stronger when they let go of the gatekeeping models.

What’s important to me in the work is finding ways to invite people to talk by way of creative processes. When working on collaborative projects, the output is reflective of the interchange between the participants. What makes a musical instrument are a resonator, a vibrating source, energy that causes vibration, and the ears or listening method of those around. People listening are also making the music or making the story. People have reactions to patterns, intervals, melodic lines that are relative to their cumulative experience of these things from their upbringing and culture. Adding visual elements helps people find ways to talk about the music without needing a background in music theory or terminology.

When it comes to the work I do now, I had to figure out how to create the opportunities to do it. I applied for grants, residencies, I talked to my colleagues and proposed ideas to them. I’m very lucky to work in the Santa Rosa Junior College music department where the dean and my colleagues are supportive of multimedia collaborative projects. It’s amazing to be in a place where an accompanist/vocal coach is encouraged to make videos for a band concert. Or be invited to write choral pieces by the choir director. And create works that involve discussions with choral members about topics such as solastalgia, climate change, discriminatory economics.

I love animals. I love drawing them. I love advocating for them. I love being around them. So a lot of my work features animals. And if there were any other job I’d do besides being a visual and musical artist, it would be working with animals. It all goes along with creating paths to talk. A lot of what leads animals to extinction parallels the experiences of people who often aren’t given a voice. Their environments are taken over or destroyed because of resources. If we can see ourselves as connected, as harming ourselves when we harm others, then we can find other ways to coexist that embrace sustainable and restorative methods.

As far as my formal training goes, I received my BA from Sonoma State University in Fine Art and Music. I studied piano with Marilyn Thompson. I am very fortunate to continue to have a friendship with her to this day. She models for me a musician with incredible skills and a consistent practice whose dedication is to the music. I studied printmaking and loved the tactile earthy nature of it.

For over thirty years I have played for various private studios, theater companies, choirs, and church organizations. Since 2013 I have been the staff accompanist and vocal coach at Santa Rosa Junior College. I have given masterclasses in vocal breathing exercises in the United States and Maastricht University, Netherlands.

If there are projects you are interested in co-creating with me, feel free to reach out and contact me. Let’s play!