The year was 1992, and my artistic journey began at Cozy Care Dayhome when, as a curious four-year-old, I discovered the magic of collage art. Inspired by the TV show Art Attack, I fell in love with the process of working with paper, stickers, and fabric scraps. This early fascination laid the foundation for a lifelong passion: weaving narratives from disparate elements to create cohesive and visually captivating stories. Over the years, my dedication to transforming the found into the unforgettable has guided my artistic pursuits.
After graduating from the Blanche Macdonald Centre in 2011, I specialized in makeup artistry. That education opened doors to the worlds of fashion, fantasy, body paint, and creative photoshoot management. For over a decade, I thrived as a freelance makeup artist, bringing imaginative concepts to life and carving out a fulfilling career.
In 2014, I took a bold step by teaching myself screen printing, a skill that not only expanded my creative toolbox but also led me to work at a textile print shop. This role perfectly blended artistic expression with the detailed precision of clothing decoration, adding another dimension to my artistic journey.
By 2016, I found myself drawn to the blossoming possibilities of photography and creative editing applications. Capturing and enhancing moments through the lens allowed me to express myself in new ways and added another layer to my multifaceted creative career.
In 2021, I teamed up with my neighbor Pat to create something truly special: our weekly art jams. What began as cozy gatherings in our living rooms quickly evolved into "Agains da Grain," a creative collective that met every Tuesday night in a spacious warehouse. Our sessions, affectionately dubbed “Arty, not a Party,” fostered incredible collaboration and camaraderie. Within this nurturing community, I found the affirmation and confidence to fully embrace my identity as an artist.
Collage art has always held a special place in my heart. After completing a project where I recycled old fairy tale books into a new collection of fables, I refocused my artistic practice on sustainability and upcycling. This shift not only brought me back to my roots but also deepened my commitment to creating art that reflects my values.
I founded Lizard Queen Conceptuals as an extension of my multidisciplinary approach to art, guided by the belief that "things are not always what they seem" and "you make the best you can with what you’ve got". With my unique perspective, shaped in part by my sensory sensitivities, I have poured my passion into transforming recycled paper and found objects into assemblage collage art. These mixed-media creations explore storytelling, surrealism, and linear perspective, bringing discarded materials to life in unexpected ways.
In 2023, I had a pivotal moment when I wrote an art grant application. It opened my eyes to the power of grant writing as a form of storytelling and inspired me to pivot towards grant writing, consulting, and visual arts as my full-time career. Helping others navigate the grant process and seeing the connections it fosters has been incredibly rewarding and aligns with my lifelong passion for uplifting the artistic community.
Throughout my career, I’ve served as a creative director, managing and styling conceptual photography and fashion shoots, hosting community art jams, and organizing live painting and exhibition opportunities for my peers. I’ve also supported fellow artists with tax and bookkeeping assistance, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for creative expression.
As the artist behind Lizard Queen Conceptuals, my mission extends beyond creating visually stunning pieces. I aim to spark thoughts, evoke emotions, and inspire others through the transformative power of recycled materials. My work is a testament to the beauty of repurposing and the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Through my website, www.lizardqueenconceptuals.com, and Instagram @lizardqueenconcept, I invite you to explore my artistic world—a realm where each piece tells a story and reminds us of the impact we can make by seeing value in the overlooked
