Are you self taught or have attended an art school?
I spent three years at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design studying textiles. Here I took courses in weaving, spinning, dyeing, drawing, colour theory and design. During that time I also did a half day workshop on needle felting, and my work grew from there. Although I never really studied the practice of felting much at school a lot of my design aesthetic, use of colour, and knowledge of fibres was learnt during that time in my life. Since then, it has been a practice of experimentation and organically letting the work teach me as I move forward with my art career.

Who or what inspires you?
I’m definitely inspired by the rural New Brunswick landscape and the animals and people who inhabit it. I’m also fuelled by other artists and spending time with a variety of passionate and creative people.

How would you describe your style or process?
It’s a very organic process for me. I have an idea of what I want to create, but the work takes over once I’m going and it moves and shapes itself. I’m never totally sure what a piece will look like until it’s finished and I can step back from the work.

Where may people find more of your work?
Currently I have work for sale at Handworks Gallery on King Street in Saint John and at Legacy Lane Fiber Mill in Sussex. I also have an online store at www.JoyfulCoyote.etsy.com and I always love being contacted to do commissions. I’m also involved in the upcoming International Back to Back Wool Challenge that will be open to the public at The Barn in Bloomfield on May 24th. This event challenges teams of woolcrafters from around the globe to create a sweater directly from a sheep’s back to a human’s back. Each team consists of a shearer, a sheep and seven handspinners and knitters who follow the same Challenge rules and sweater pattern to knit an adult sweater. The event is timed and money raised goes towards Cancer research. It’s going to be a really fun day and I’ll have my work for sale during this event as well.

What are you currently working on?

I tend to have multiple projects on the go at once, but the most exciting one in my studio right now is a giant horse head about 5 feet tall. I’m hoping to have it finished and on display for Studio Tour.

What is your idea of a dream trip?
Hmmm, there’s so many…I’d have to say my ideal dream trip involves no time commitments and no financial restraints. I’d travel in a fantastic converted and colourful bus (that obviously has a studio space!) with my family and drive from here out to BC. Then after exploring for a few weeks we’d hop on a plane and fly to Nepal and India and study yoga, felting and meditation…then maybe fly to Peru or Costa Rica and explore the landscape and their dyeing and weaving traditions for a while. My ideal trip would involve no set plans at all…just wake up and see where the day takes us.

What would you like to accomplish in the next three years?
For the last three years I have been consumed with finishing up a business degree. With that over, I’m so happy to have more time in the studio. Over the next three years I want to develop and grow that studio practice and push myself to try new and bigger things.Book or

Movie?
Neither! CBC radio podcasts in the studio while I work!Chocolate  or vanilla?

Hands down, no questions asked CHOCOLATE…any time, anywhere!!!