I venture out into the wild creeks, rivers, and beaches of Vancouver Island and hunt for stones with a combination of the right shape, colour, pattern, and texture—the ones that seem to say, “Pick me! Pick me!” I highlight the natural features of each stone with acrylic paint and ink, creating an eccentric union of nature and design.

It’s a highly collaborative process between me and the stone, and it’s endlessly exciting to see what we create together. Each and every stone leaves a mark on me, as I do on it. This speaks to the power of a creative practice in being able to both transform the world around us and transform us through the process.

I work in mental health and perhaps I see stones like I see people—each of them beautiful in their own way with their own unique patterns and stories, each of them deserving of someone saying, “My goodness, you’re amazing!” I think that what I do with these stones is similar to what I love to do with people: create a deep connection, shine a light on their inherent value and beauty, and walk beside them in their transformation.

I tried selling my stones but was unsuccessful at finding a market for them and frankly, it took some of the joy out of creating. The idea that I am free to make art—and then gift that art to someone who would appreciate it—is far more appealing than trying to establish my worth as an artist through sales. We are artists because we choose to make art.

This is now a project of creation for creation’s sake. Keep an eye on my Instagram page to see what I’m working on. Please reach out if you’re particularly drawn to one, as I’ll be gifting all future stones I create. I receive each stone as a gift from the earth, and want to continue the gifting cycle.

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