I grew up on a farm near a cluster of small towns in southern Ontario. A somewhat awkward kid, I liked to escape my younger brothers and go off into the “woods” (a narrow band of trees between farms) with paper and pencils to draw, write and be alone.
I planned to go to university to study literature and art, but my parents thought that direction impractical and decided I should learn a “trade”. So, I did the “practical” thing and went to art college – HAH!! Looking back, I think they might have been supportive had I pushed the issue, but I didn’t have the confidence back then to do that.
I studied Interpretive Illustration for 2 years at Sheridan College and then transferred directly into Year 3 of the Illustration program at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto. I was eager to start my life in the city, and wanted to finish my studies where I believed I could build my career.
My very first job was with a large advertising agency, a “shark tank” for young women fresh out of art school (picture Mad Men in the 80’s)! That agency dissolved within 7 months, and I found myself freelancing for a variety of design studios and ad agencies. When it was discovered that I could draw, I began doing marker layouts, storyboarding and then, art direction. Later, I was approached by an artist’s representative and I moved into illustration full time.
In art school, I had fantasized about seeing my work in magazines and on billboards, and with the help of my dedicated rep, that happened for me. I got some amazing gigs for package design and ad campaigns, nationally and internationally. One of my favourite campaigns was for Delta Hotels. I was thrilled to see my illustration covering the Delta Chelsea in downtown Toronto.
Right around the time the industry for illustrators and photographers turned on its head in the new digital world, I had a baby, my 5-year marriage collapsed abruptly, and I became a single mom, scrambling back to school at night to catch up on all the new software I needed to master to get work as a graphic designer again. Life became easier when I met my current partner of 20 years, who has helped me raise my son and supported me through everything.
In the years since college, I have travelled through Europe and parts of Asia; joined various local women’s groups that were active with NAC (the National Action Committee on the Status of Women); completed a Women’s Studies program at U of T; and studied French, creative writing and even belly-dancing!
Now, I am officially a senior and an empty nester, on a quest to figure out what this new chapter holds for me. I recently started creating “cheeky” greeting cards under the name Rebel Hen Studio, primarily as an outlet for self-expression. I am exploring creating journals, books, online classes and more. There are so many opportunities right now to share art with the world! The courage to put my more personal work out there remains my biggest challenge.
My work can be seen on my website, https:/www.rebelhenstudio.com, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rebelhenstudio.
“Stand for something, or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak
is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”
Rosa Parks