It wasn't always this way. To my disappointment,  I've never exhibited talent in any of the traditional art forms. In fact, I've joked for years that I'm a "wanna be right brainer in a left-brainer body."

Then I discovered digital photography and later Photoshop, a digital imaging program. My life changed completely. My creative self became more and more alive and animated with each new technique I learned. I am certain that I was guided to this place, that God or whatever Higher Power there is led me in this direction, and I am grateful for this journey, this gift, every day.

I hope people look at my work and think, "I've been there!" or "I'd like to go there!" or "I'd like to see that!" I want them to feel that their creative or spiritual selves have been touched in some particular way. Through my work I express myself, but I also strive to affect others. It's my way of saying thank you to God and to the universe for all my many blessings, and especially for this particular gift, this joyously creative journey.

UPDATE APRIL 2009
When I started Leef Photography in 2005, I thought that I would focus solely on nature and wildlife photography and related photographic design. Since then, however, I've done many other things too.

I've photographed people and pets in informal settings as well as done some photo repair and restoration. I've designed some advertising and promotional pieces and created a flyer for a political candidate. I've done Senior Portraits and designed a graduation announcement. I've participated in numerous art shows and events on the mountain and had three solo art shows myself, two as Cedar Ridge Companies Monthly Featured Artist in Show Low (2006, 2008) and a month-long show in November 2008 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. I've also developed and taught workshops on  understanding camera settings; nature, wildlife and petroglyph photography; area wildlife and taking risks and following one's dreams. My rack card design for Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is finished and I'm currently designing another seasonal post card and working on projects for local Chambers.
 
However, what I wrote several years ago as my initial Artist's Statement is still true: I am passionate about photography and photographic design. I hope that people feel touched and inspired by my work and consciously look for beauty and inspiration in their lives too. I know that I am guided on this creative journey and I am very grateful for it, though I still don't know where it's leading me or what will come next.

The dynamics of color still fascinate me and I am drawn to it wherever and however it appears in nature or emerges in my design work. I like bold colors and contrast in print. I love the glamour and vibrancy that color offers. Simultaneously, I find myself increasingly drawn to less contrasting elements and more subtle shadings, and I plan to experiment in the future with more grayscale and sepia images and less vivid but still dramatic effects.

From a design perspective, my addiction to my photo imaging program, Photoshop, remains as powerful as ever, though I still have much more I want to learn about it. My need to express myself through more complicated design patterns has lessoned somewhat, though sometimes when I find myself using simpler design borders, I am still drawn to incorporate more intricate backgrounds. I can't imagine what my future work will look like, but I welcome its evolution as a natural part of my learning, guidance and growth.

Business-wise, in addition to framed works, prints, and preprinted and linen note cards, I now have twelve area post cards completed and for sale on the mountain. I've done post cards for businesses too which has been especially challenging and rewarding.

My work has been featured in a prominent billboard campaign by the Arizona Office of Tourism, and has appeared in regional and state publications, the DAR national newsletter, at annual Chamber of Commerce trade shows in Phoenix and Glendale, and on Channel 12 News, as well as in a tourism magazine in Mexico.

Though the future is not clear to me, I move forward with faith that as I continue this path, God is directing me. I just have to slow down enough to listen. I sincerely appreciate all the support and encouragement I've received from my family, friends and various businesses and people I've met on this journey. For all of us, life is full of beauty and opportunities if we're open to them. I am grateful.


                      Aspens in Ferns



                          Seasons