Looking Back

Hall of Fame

That's me in the 7th grade. I was in middleschool and suddenly offered the chance to learn about crafting objects out of wood, metal, and plastic and I took it. I'd spend afternoons working on projects and even had a mini business selling tooled leather and bead bracelets to classmates. I remember the boys in metal shop asking me to paint letters on their race cars and it baffled me.

(sister Naomi, Me, Mom, brother Adam)

Christmas in Hawaii circa 1990

I was recommended not to take art classes in highschool, they supposedly sucked. So I didn't. Instead I learned how to type (on a typewriter), developed a love of science, and became proficient in French. Highschool is such a blur of late night adventures, underage clubbing, boyfriends, and extensive studying.

I graduated top 5% of my class and landed a scholarship to study Tropical Horticulture at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Along with the fruit classes and dirt under my nails, I will never forget collecting and trading insects in entomology class.

Every open elective I had went to art. I graduated with my B.S. and after a few years in the floral industry, rock fever hit and I moved to Seattle.

My first jobs were at Clinton Bamboo Nursery in Burien and Utrecht Art Supply store.

My life has since shifted back to creating. and now my husband and I produce works of art together. We are Santiago Santiago. One of our favorite activities is thrift shopping. Over the years, I have slowly procured a nice selection on vintage clothing, books, craft supplies, and more. Find more pre-loved suff at  suki suki.

This is currently my favorite song
Download Song: Half Mast by Empire of the Sun