My formative years were spent in the northernmost region of MN, where crossing the border into Canada to get the Queen’s toffee was just a bike ride away. It was there my imagination truly developed. In the isolated woodlands, animals became best friends. Occupying mysef with skills my grandmother nurtured filled what remained of a very solitary existence. With a watchful eye, my grandmother guided me through sewing at 2, and soon after came sculpting, drawing, and basic woodworking—and reading each other Grimm's Fairy Tales before bed. I became an independent creative force before entering elementary school.

With a wild imagination and the influence of nightmarish fears from being an only child living in the center of vastly dense woods, this environment was perfect inspiration for my vision to create a collection of otherworldly Victorian characters.