I come from a mixed cultural background being born in Denver, Colorado and moving to Hawaii in 4th grade (1967-1990). Entering various art shows while in high school, winning the Windward Artist Guild High School Award in 1977 for 3 categories; "storytelling-The Wizard of Oz" (watercolor and pen & ink), "wildlife-Elephant" (pen & ink) and, "new techniques-Girl with Bird of Paradise Flower" (painted batik-resist). Art became an "after-work" activity when I married and began raising a family in 1981. Working in the concrete construction industry doing drawing/estimating for the manufacture of architectural precast building components. Moved as a single parent with 2 young children in 1990 to Elk, Washington. Studied graphic design at Spokane Falls Community College learning how to use comput