These paintings are inspired by the Dutch venitas paintings of the 1500 and 1600s. I was incredibly fortunate as a young girl to travel extensively with my parents.  By the time I was twelve I had visited many of the major museums of Europe.  I distinctly remember standing in front of a Dutch still life so close that the museum guard was noticeably anxious.  I was spellbound by the magic, the littlest drops of water clinging to the velvet translucent petals of a flower.  Right then and there I determined to figure it out and I’ve been captivated ever since.