While I appreciate making my own nature illustrations, my real passion is using art to teach life sciences. Originally trained in biology, I worked in research labs and museums across the country, and along the way I became interested in informal science education. Many people are intimidated by science, but art can be an easy and appealing hook for the sciences. I've worked with ages from kindegarten to seniors, mostly in informal education settings, often outside drawing and observing from nature. The traditional practices of natural history have been waning as modern science moves towards lab-based research programs, yet natural history still has a place. Growing concerns over "nature deficit disorder" show that people of all ages need to reconnnect with the natural world and I believe art can be that connection.

In my own art-making, drawing is always about looking deeper and learning more about my subject. I especially like up close and personal portraits of the very small or the uncharismatic, like spiders or worms. I'm most influenced by traditional natural history illustration from the days when scientists travelled the world and included an artist in their expeditions, although I've also taken aesthetic inspiration from pop culture or graphic design. I use a variety of media, but especially acrylic, watercolor, and graphite. I also work as a freelance nature writer, writing and illustrating together on a subject.

In recognition of my commitment to making science-inspired art accessible, I have a creative commons collection available on Flickr under the member name "Natural Curiosities".