As a horsewoman and a biologist, I love both western subjects and wildlife. I have a profound respect for animals and nature and feel committed to portray the kindness in a horse's eye, the textures of an animals fur, or the simple pleasure of being out in the natural environment.

A representational printmaker and illustrator of horses, horse-related subjects, birds and animals in the wild, I knew I had found my medium when I took a printmaking course at UNM in 1985. It only took me sixteen years to rediscover it! I research my subject's carefully in order to be as accurate as possible in the anatomy, morphology, and musculature of the animals and birds I am portraying. Each of my etchings represents hours of work, over weeks of trial and intense thought, as I strive to capture every small detail or fine texture of the subject. Mezzotints, on the other hand, are just as labor intensive, but give an almost instant gratification as I see my image being revealed more quickly as I burnish and scrape the copper. Both processes contain an element of suspense - after anticipating the outcome of inking the plate, placing the chosen paper on it and running in through the press, I take a deep breath seeing the image come to life as the paper is lifted.

As humans persist in encroaching upon much of the western landscape and more wildlife habitats disappear, I will continue to gain inspiration from the simple beauty of animals and nature.