Whether I'm painting, analyzing data, dancing, teaching, playing music, or writing, it all comes down to connection, discovery, and expression. Everything is part of the pursuit to understand and be understood. Refusing to separate my artistic and scientific endeavors enables me to live a life in which I define it all as creativity, a life in which I can bring the fullness of my experience and perspective to whichever project I'm working on. Below you’ll find a bit about how I ended up here, thanks for stopping by.

I've never given much weight to the idea that disciplines have to diverge.

I grew up in rural Maryland surrounded by the natural beauty of woods and streams, accompanied by many beloved animals, siblings, and adventurous friends. As a child I played outside every day and developed a deep connection to the land around me. Throughout school, I grew to understand the environment through an academic and actionable lens. I captained my High School’s Envirothon team and led a water-pollution education initiative for my Girl Scout Gold Award, and eventually found my way to a degree in Environmental Science at Boston University.

While attending BU I completed an internship studying carbon sequestration at the Harvard Forest, spent 5 months studying Ecuadorian ecosystems with the BU Tropical Ecology Program, conducted research on urban roof gardens as sustainable food systems, worked as a student teacher at the BU Children's Center, played cello with the All Campus Orchestra, volunteered at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Science. Along the journey, creativity was my constant companion. I wrote daily, sketched in all my notes, and painted the landscapes I encountered. The intersection of scientific inquisition and artistic expression was the place from which I felt seen, heard, and understood.

After graduating, I returned home to work for a local ecological restoration company. During that time I traveled all over Maryland, seeing firsthand the positive impact people can have on their environment when they’ve got the right partnerships. It was this idea that led me towards community building and environmental education. I began working as a naturalist and environmental educator, running programs for all ages. I spent years joyfully fostering the connection between young minds and nature. I am deeply grateful for the muddy puddles, laughter, and magical moments of discovery found along the way.

After years of teaching full-time throughout a pandemic,  I knew I needed to take some time to focus on rest, healing, and creativity. As I did, I often thought of Howard Thurman's idea to "ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive". I felt more and more drawn towards storytelling - through children's literature and through artwork. I spent a year creating: writing picture books, putting together a portfolio, painting murals, and building this website.

During that year, I discovered I have a rare disease that causes the growth of benign, albeit aggressive, tumors. After extensive surgery, I was confronted with a reassessment of my abilities and priorities. Art and storytelling became my accessible connection to nature when I could not walk or hike. Once healed, I found myself craving more community than my independent creation could offer, and returned to work as a Volunteer Manager. In this role, I am lucky enough to foster community for people of all ages and backgrounds who want to connect with their environment and each other. 

I am grateful every day for the opportunities I have to explore, to reflect, and to create something that connects us. I am grateful for this world that holds multitudes: the teacher, scientist, student, explorer, writer, musician, caregiver, and communicator are all given space here.

So here is where I am, writing and painting and asking questions - and telling the stories I find along the way. I hope that as you browse through this website you'll find something that speaks to you. If you are interested in reaching out for commissions or collaborations, please see my 'Connect' page.

Thank you,

Rebecca