Artist's Bio

Growing up in British Columbia, where towering mountains and ancient forests meet a wild ocean, my earliest memories were shaped by nature’s raw beauty. My parents, who left the Netherlands to embrace BC’s vast wilderness, nurtured my love for the outdoors through holidays in rustic lake cabins, hikes on remote trails, and backpacking adventures under the stars. In nature, I found entertainment, peace, and a deep connection that would later define my purpose.

That purpose took root during a pivotal moment: the “War in the Woods,” one of the largest acts of environmental protest in Canadian history. Watching youth and elders stand in solidarity against the destruction of old-growth forests in Clayoquot Sound—an area close to my heart—left a lasting mark. I realized the power of images in telling nature’s story and inspiring others to protect it.

But my journey wasn’t a straight path. I began my career on a local ski mountain, worked in sustainable development for a Japanese land development company, earned a degree in Biology with a focus on Ecology, and advanced my career to a decade-long management role with a multi-billion-dollar construction company with a holistic approach to sustainability. Yet, as my corporate success grew, I found myself further removed from the wild places that inspired me. Seeking reconnection, I turned to photography—not just as a creative outlet, but as an excuse to escape.

Backpacking through remote landscapes became my reset button, my way back to what mattered most. In the wild, where every step is a challenge and every moment an adventure, I found inspiration. Photography became my way to fully experience those moments: to endure them, capture them, and savor them. Each image is a memory imprinted through every sense—raw, untamed, and deeply personal.

Today, as an award-winning photographer accredited by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), my work seeks to bring that connection to others. Through fine art, I create windows into the natural world, offering moments of tranquility and wonder. Through teaching, I guide others on their own journeys—helping them discover the same sense of awe and purpose that photography has given me.

For me, photography isn’t just about creating art. It’s about living fully, adventuring boldly, and sharing the stories that nature tells us when we listen closely.