Dogwood Paper Arts: Oregon, United States; I came from a wonderfully creative background; fully blessed with a Native American heritage on my mother’s side. She (my mother) always had a little project for me to do; showing me at a very early age how to create clay with flour, teaching me to sew stuffed animals, and later keeping me surrounded with poetry, paints and books, all of which inspired me to be the imaginative and resourceful person that I am today. My father was a huge inspiration as well, giving me the courage to build with my own hands and the spirit to endure when times are tough. He gave me the insight to follow my heart and the ingenuity to work hard. I love the whole creative process. Art is a part of who I am.