Why “Sail by the Stars?”

The name “Sail by the Stars” is my nod to life being hands-on and little bit old school.

Sailors of old navigated the seas by their position with the stars and planets. No technology, no GPS. Just the wind and the waves and the sparkling stars in the sky.They not only knew their location, they experienced everything about it with all of their senses.

I feel my childhood was much the same way. My days were spent outdoors, bike riding with the wind on my face, climbing trees and imagining other worlds, finding Orion in the stars wherever our family traveled, relishing carefully chosen penny candies, building houses for my dolls with blocks, getting lost in picture books and dancing by myself to The Nutcracker. I was experiencing the world with all of my senses.

I wish this type of play for children today – to learn and experience the world in a way that really only happens in childhood. Too soon they will exit their dreamlike years begin to encounter the harsh responsibilities of life.

My aim is to nurture the wonder of childhood in your little ones—and maybe, to rekindle it in you as well.

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The inspiration for my illustrations:

As a child, I wasn’t much of a reader, but illustrations drew me into the world of literature. The books my mother provided captivated me with their artwork.

Gyo Fujikawa’s drawings in A Child’s Garden of Verses made me feel understood, while Garth Williams’ art caused me to long for 1800’s prairie life.

Tasha Tudor’s depictions of family and animals filled me with happy comfort, and Robert McCloskey’s works, such as  Make Way for Ducklings,  left a lasting imprint on my heart.

These feelings swirl together with my childhood memories and have stayed with me my whole life. I have sought to recreate these cherished aspects of my childhood for my own children, and I hope the designs I create will also carry these sentiments forward to others.

In an increasingly digital world, my art is an invitation to forget the screens and tap into the wonder and joy of the simple, nurturing moments of life.

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A little bit more about me:

The wine country of Northern California provided the backdrop of my childhood. There I truly enjoyed the freedom and security of childhood: biking all over town on Saturdays, trying my hand at fishing and tennis, spending hours imagining other worlds in my beloved walnut tree, and concluding my days in the warmth of my home and family. I  journeyed all the way through school with my same set of friends, studied ballet and art, and eventually became a wife, mother and Licensed Vocational Nurse.

In 2016, circumstances led me to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where I found a refreshing change of scenery. Encircled by evergreens and Puget Sound, I embrace the beauty of my surroundings while continuing to make our house a home.

My greatest joy in life has been raising my children, whose presence enriches my world exponentially! Now, as my youngest approach adulthood, I have the opportunity to rekindle my childhood pleasure of creating art –  and share it with you.