The Confluence of Earth Science and Art
Inspiration for my work is rooted in the mountain landscapes of Washington and Montana—the places I call home. My pieces are informed by my life as the wife of a fourth-generation rancher and my background as a professional geologist. Based out of my private ranch in the Kettle River Valley of NE Washington and my home in Butte, Montana, I create art that reflects the atmosphere and daily heritage of the American West.
I have a natural interest in the landscape and the geological record, which I map almost every day during the summer. This perspective allows me to approach my subjects with both a technical and artistic eye. As an equestrian practiced in natural horsemanship, I am captivated by the quiet language of animals and seek to capture their nature and personalities.
I am drawn to the way light describes texture, whether it is how the light catches stray hairs on a horse's face or the long shadows across a canyon. Working in photography, oil, and soft pastel, I am in constant wonder of how light can have such a profound effect on all that it touches, creating a deep well of subjects to paint and photograph. This curiosity is what drives me to have multiple designs waiting in the wings to put onto a surface.
Whether I am behind a lens or a paintbrush, I aim to translate the "feel" of a moment. My approach is rooted in a lifetime of observation. From learning the mechanics of film in a 1990s darkroom to my current studies in Photography and Painting at the Rhode Island School of Design, I’ve spent over 25 years refining how I see the world.
My business is named after my mare, Temptress. She taught me the value of quiet communication and presence—traits I bring to every photo session, floral arrangement, and canvas. My dedication to the horse is both artistic and practical; as a student practitioner with Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners, I apply the same scientific rigor to hoof care as I do to my geological field work and fine art.
With dual certifications from the Floral Design Institute and a background running a regional floral shop, I believe that beauty isn't just something you see; it's something you experience. I am honored to share that experience with my neighbors, bringing the precision of a scientist and the heart of an artist to our community.
Scientific & Technical Background
B.S. & M.S. Geology | Fort Lewis College & Idaho State University
Economic Geologist since 2007
Current: Economic Geologist-Associate Professor | Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Student Hoof Care Practitioner | Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP)
Fine Art & Design Education
3rd-year Photography Student | Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) CE | Completion Expected Spring 2027
3rd-year Painting Studies Student | Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) CE | Completion Expected Fall 2027
Certified Floral Designer (CFD) | Floral Design Institute
Advanced Floral Design | Floral Design Institute
Professional Affiliations
Northwest Pastel Society Member
Women Artists of the West [Membership Application Pending]
Owner & Lead Artist, Rogue Horse Studio
Former Proprietor, The Juniper Berry Floral Design (2014–2017)
Phone: [ 509.207.8722 ]
Email: [ rogue.horse.studio@gmail.com ]
Follow me: [ instagram - rogue.horse.studio or facebook - Rogue Horse Studio ]