Artist, educator and drag performer
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Thank you for taking a moment to learn a bit about my story. I am a Vancouver based artist and public-school teacher. I graduated from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design where I majored in photography. I subsequently graduated from the University of BC’s Bachelor of Education program to embark on a career as a public school visual arts high school teacher (Richmond, BC School District #38). I have since completed additional degrees in ELL and Learning Resource teaching.
I am a passionate and dedicated teacher and a proud “out” role model to my students in Richmond, B.C. I volunteer tirelessly with my school and school district to support safe inclusive opportunities for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ youth and allies. Though early in my career I faced vicious homophobic harassment and bullying, I chose to come out publicly to support my LGBTQ+ students. I vowed to myself to be the positive queer role model I never had in high school. As a result, I have forged strong long lasting positive relationships with my students and many of their families. I also volunteer as the SOGI (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity) teacher lead for my school and act as a mentor to my colleagues through collaboration and supporting professional development.
SHINING STARS OF PRIDE
As a result of my dedication, I was recognized as one of five British Columbian “Shining Stars of Pride” by the CBC (August 2020). To be honoured as a queer role model, both as a teacher and as a drag performer, was profoundly special to me.
SKETCHBOOK ART
While I'm well versed in a wide range of media, I prefer to express myself through artistic journals. I see these cluttered, colourful, densely layered volumes as both a metaphor for my own personality and as a way to navigate and interact with the world around me.
I also find inspiration in current events, pop culture and the rich cultures immerse myself in on my world travels. These themes are frequently explored throughout my artistic journals.