I have been interested in both for about as long as I can remember. I was the crafty kid that always had a project going on... and was forever bringing home stray animals. I was fortunate enough to go to an elementary school that had the philosophy of teaching to the individual child and letting each child develop at his or her own pace. There was also a very strong art program so in addition to traditional classes I spent extra hours each week in the art room, which further sparked my creativity and interest in art.
In college I chose to study art, although I was equally interested in animals and briefly considered a career in veterinary medicine. But in the end creativity won out. I graduated with a degree in studio art, a degree in secondary education, and a minor in philosophy. I taught art for four years, before deciding to pursue becoming a full time studio artist, which I did for about ten years, attending outdoor and indoor art fairs selling my original watercolors and mosaics.
In life there are specific moments most of us can point to as pivotal points of change. While attending an art fair, I met someone interested in displaying my work at her business. She boarded pet parrots while people were on vacation. One of my favorite subject matters was painting parrots, mostly because I am attracted to bright colors. Beyond that I knew little of the pet parrot trade. But this meeting was to prove to be just such a pivotal moment. I learned about the breeding and selling of companion parrots, and the related issue of unwanted companion birds.
As I walked around her facility, I was both mesmerized by the dazzling beauty of macaws, cockatoos, amazons, and other parrots and dismayed at the sudden realization of the number of parrots that existed in captivity. It just wasn't something I had given much thought to. As more years passed I became more involved with rescue parrots and eventually started a small non profit shelter for parrots. I am very fortunate that after years of renting, I was able to purchase a beautiful space for my studio and the birds.
About half my work day is spent taking care of the birds, many of whom have chronic health conditions, due to age and years of living with people who lacked the knowledge or finances to care for them properly. Some have chronic liver or kidney issues, some have arthritis from spending years cooped up in cages with inadequate perches, and some are physically disabled from abuse. Fortunately, my vet, who has helped me for years care for these birds, is just minutes away. I also have dedicated volunteers that help me with their physical and emotional needs. Purchasing my art helps me with the birds in my care, as taking care of them and selling my art is my full time occupation.