ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I roll strips of paper into segments and place them for a desired effect. Look closely because it often doesn’t look like paper; it’s mistaken for wood, clay, buttons, and even candy. I use an ancient art technique called Quilling that has a rich history.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Nature is where it all comes from, just as color comes from nature.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

It fell into my lap. It’s always been there, just took me a while to find it. It came to me in an advertisement for the paper I use. My life was forever changed by something so simple.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from anything from rich flavors to color samples to nature and client's interiors. Add to that the colors in nature, painting pigments...the list of what doesn't inspire me is shorter.  

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

The Palisades Fire rearranged my home and studio and car for me, reducing it to rubble. Having tromped through said rubble in a Tyvek suit, booties, mask, and goggles, I can tell you there were treasures in the ruins. It might be a year or two, but can't wait to see what these colorful, bent, melted, broken, and sometimes whole forms want to become.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

Van Gogh meets Kandinsky at Gustav Klimt’s house for dinner.  

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Outdoor natural landscapes give me inspiration. 

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

My work is finished when the color balance is correct, and I feel visually full - much like the feeling after a complete dinner.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? 

The geology-thing did not work out.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

My whole adult life has been following my passion. First, it was as a climbing and backcountry skiing guide. During that time, I rediscovered my passion for woodworking. As a child, my dad had a wood shop in the basement where I built a birdhouse and small boxes.    

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Jewelry, modern architecture and tribal indigenous art provide me inspiration.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I have been exhibiting at the Bellevue Arts Museum arts fair since 1999. It has become my number one show of the year. I love reconnecting with past collectors and meeting new ones each year.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?Collages are created by cutting and combining thousands of cut out from magazines of written text. All the text pertains to the theme of each piece creating a literal story within the artwork. Every minute detail is cut out with an x-acto knife.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

It's my DNA. My mother found a collage I created when I was three years old. It was made of leaves and sticks. Art has been the love of my entire life. 

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

There is no limit to creativity. I’d like to get people into reading and storytelling and off their phones, even for brief moments of time.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? 

I don't believe in inspiration. I believe in work. The fact that the path of an artist is not romantic walks under the moon in anticipation of inspiration, but hard non-stop work to transform any, even the most drossy reality into art. And this work must be carried out continuously.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I put a piece of my soul in each of my artwork, it just tells me that it's ready to go, and I just feel it and it's "finished".

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I realized that metal shaped my thoughts, and I was destined to transform them into reality when I started working as a blacksmith at the age of 20. During my university study with a focus on drawing and fine arts, metal art and creating in this medium became my passion. It led me to invent my own techniques and creative approaches to this sculptural medium. The artistic devices I engage throughout my work are experimentation and improvisation. The thing that truly holds all my art series together is my enduring love and humanism. This is what drives me to create.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Nature and the art form itself give me inspiration.    

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

When it looks like the idea we had intended as close to perfect as possible, I call it complete.    

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

The love of glass as an art form. It has the best colors and is far stronger than imagined.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My art is a poetic fusion of sculpture and function. They exude a calm warmth - drawing people in, encouraging conversation, and anchoring the atmosphere with a sense of belonging. This is furniture that doesn’t shout, but softly calls, asking to be felt, shared, and lived with.    

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I realized I wanted to be an artist because I’ve always felt a strong desire to bring the images in my mind into three-dimensional form. I believe function and beauty can coexist. Creating pieces that serve a purpose while also inspiring a sense of beauty has always been my driving goal.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Every one of you is unique, and that’s something worth celebrating. Let’s embrace our diversity, honor our eccentricities, and lead with kindness—because it’s in our differences that we find the most vibrant connections.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

My sources of inspiration are other makers, comedy, and what I can learn from previous generations.    

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

At age four, I began classical piano—and that’s when I discovered art was my first language.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?  

Deeply influenced by environment and energy, my work evokes both strength and subtlety, often blending elements of glamour, tranquility, and depth. These are not just paintings; they are living surfaces that invite presence, curiosity, and contemplation.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

The act of doing, the need of doing, and never stopping. I believe art is all around the things we do. It doesn't matter if it’s cooking, painting, weaving or something else creative.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?  
Our pieces are unique, with high visual and esthetic impact; they are amulets and delicate objects - bringing stories within themselves; these qualities are expressed in the selected materials, the colors and stains that are used in the transformation, combination and construction of each art piece.

What is something you want to share with the Bellevue community?

Art makes me happy, and I love the idea of making other people happy while wearing, hanging, or seeing art pieces.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
My art is bound together by my personality and soul, my creative process is immersed in a dual identity creating thought-provoking work while maintaining a free and intuitive spirit. I describe my paintings as an expression of my life, thoughts, and how the world affects me on a daily basis. My figurative compositions often depict families, socialization, and the bringing of people together. I fuse both cubism and surrealism, which is sometimes translated as childlike and whimsical, yet also pensive and introspective.    
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
Family, friends and everyday activities give me inspiration.  Music also plays an important role in the process when creating pieces.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
My ceramic sculptures are tall, slender interpretations of the female form. Through these forms, I aim to capture the strength, vulnerability, and resilience inherent in femininity, inviting viewers into a more intimate engagement with these ideas.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
I am influenced by classical art and inspired by artists like Giacometti, whose pieces were “reduced, as they are, to their very core.” The clay itself guides the form, as each type behaves uniquely, inspiring me as the shapes emerge naturally through the process.  
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?
I feel a nostalgic connection to this area—my dad grew up in Kirkland, and though I don’t remember it, my first home was on Mercer Island. I’m hopeful that the Bellevue community will embrace my work and the stories it carries.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Art is for everyone and can be so many things--joy, challenge, healing, community, resistance. Experiencing art, whether as someone who creates it, or someone who explores and supports it, is something that can bring us together and help us find the common ground that we desperately need right now.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

The work is never really finished – there simply comes a moment when I feel compelled to release it into the world.        

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I came to art later in life, after a full career as a general contractor. Years of experience working with raw materials has sharpened my ability to see something extraordinary out of what looks like an ordinary piece of wood. At some point, I realized I could closely match the vision in my head to the results of my work.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I create modern, colorful jewelry using precious metals, LEGO pieces, and diamonds.  I might use the whole LEGO brick, or I cut, sand and drill into the LEGO to achieve the shape I want. I sand off the logo on the top and sand blast it for a matte finish. The diamond adds sophistication to a colorful toy. I love how people smile when they see my work.    
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Architecture and color give me inspiration.   
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I was in the art club in high school on Long Island and we went on a field trip to New York City to visit a glass artist. I remember saying to myself, "this is the life I want." 

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? 

I knew since I was four years old, but it took me another 30 years to believe in myself enough to make it happen!  

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My art is hand-carved block prints loosely based on nature with my own imaginative flair.     
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Being in nature and my dreams/imagination give me inspiration.     

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

It's a unique style of impressionism and surrealism.
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

Based on painting experiences and what I sold before, then I will know when it's done.  
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I knew because I had self-motivation and desire to do art. 

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
I paint landscapes with bold colors and draw flowers in charcoal to express every little detail.   
How do you know when a piece is "finished"? I look at it with a smile and feel proud that I was able to create it.    
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? I have always been drawing, whether little doodles when I was bored or when I saw something interesting, I wanted to capture.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

It is textural, bold mixed metal jewelry with pearls and gemstones. 
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration of the tension of the city where it meets the wilds of nature. There is balance and a sense of calm when finishing work.    
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? 

I didn't want to; I just was.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I create unique fashion and home goods with a lightning pattern created by running 4000 volts of electricity through wood.     
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

The randomness of nature brings me inspiration. The pattern is just reaching for itself but not connecting. 
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?I found that when I was creating, I felt the most balanced and peaceful. 

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My jewelry is made by hand and every item is unique. All items begin as raw metal sheets or rolls of wire that are formed into necklaces, bracelets, or earrings using only hand tools and soldering.  Hammers, texture plates, and files add texture to my jewelry and flame painting is a new favorite way to add unexpected color to base metals.          
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

When I want to put it on and wear it the next day!  
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

My love for art started at a young age, but it wasn't my first career.  In school I student Land Management with a Master of Science in Agronomy.  If I'm not creating jewelry, I am attending an event for my kids or working in my garden.  Starting my business allowed me to maintain all of my passions!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My work combines scrap items and vintage letters with images of cats and dogs, as a sort of "urban folk art". Some paintings are cautionary tales; some are clever word plays. People of all ages enjoy working out the little stories.     
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Mostly my dog Eddy brings me inspiration. But I also have bins and bins full of cool things clamoring to appear in a painting like a vintage lawn sprinkler becomes the ring for a clock, around which cats and dogs become the numbers.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I love chatting with people about their pets. Stop in and share your pics and stories with me!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My jewelry designs are inspired by fantasy elfin-style with swirling lines, vines, and leaves. Some pieces are more whimsical, while others explore the contrast between the rough masculine industrial and the delicate feminine art nouveau. I hand-form, hammer, solder, and polish silver and gold, and often mix the two. The stones I use are all natural and I hand cut many of them myself. I design each piece to be wearable art that flows with the natural curves of the body.    

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
I draw inspriration from Lord of the Rings (Art Nouveau) Elven-style.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I'm so excited to show my work for the first time in Bellevue!

How do you know when a piece is "finished"? If it doesn't break in the process of making it and we get it into the box, it's finished! (Glass works differently than paintings.)    
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? When I first tried glassblowing, I was naturally good at it. I realized that it was something I liked immediately and being good at it meant making money — at the time, I worked at a factory making glass paper weights and such.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? Every year we do the show; we love meeting new people in Bellevue who appreciate our art and want to brighten their gardens. I want my glass to liven up their yards and attract bees and hummingbirds to it.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? GlassArtography is a creative fusion of painting, broken glass, and resin, bringing nature’s delicate beauty to life through mixed media art. Specializing in 2D floral compositions, each piece captures the vibrant essence of flowers with a unique twist—broken glass elements that are carefully arranged to create dynamic, textured designs. The result is a stunning blend of fragility and strength, where every piece tells a story. Whether you're drawn to the intricate detail of petals or the play of light on textured surfaces, GlassArtography offers an unforgettable way to appreciate the beauty of nature in a new, innovative form.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? My name is Lili. I was born in Romania and now live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With a background in computer science, I spent many years in the corporate world before choosing a more expressive path through art and creativity.  I’m a self-taught artist who is deeply inspired by nature and the vibrant colors that surround us. My work lives at the intersection of imagination, art, and innovation, where creativity has no bounds.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? I have always known I was an artist ever since I was a kid. My earliest memory was in 2nd grade when we had to color a coloring sheet. I did not want to stay in the lines because why did I have to color someone else’s work and not just create my own.  It wasn’t until my son was born in 2017 though that I was fully able to take the leap and actually produce artwork on a regular basis to sell to public at markets. 

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? When I was born, my parents lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My mother went to the art fair there every year and when I graduated from high school, I was able to join. It was pure magic with all the artists on display selling their artwork. I have always wanted to find something like it since I moved, and in 2009 I discovered the Bellevue Art Fair. It was the closest thing I have found to Ann Arbor, and I have returned every year to purchase artwork and see all the amazing artists on display.  This year I am ecstatic about participating in the actual event as a selected artist!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My work focuses on the details and intricacies of my subjects - inviting the viewer to experience the world from another perspective.        

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?  I draw inspiration from nature and, specifically, the small details that are often overlooked.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? The grace and beauty of the world around us.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? I create handcrafted mosaic artwork for the home, heart, and garden, including mirrors, birdhouses, picture frames, and candle cups. Each piece is made with vibrant glass, beads, and tile, combining color, texture, and thoughtful design to bring beauty and sparkle into everyday spaces. My work is all about craftsmanship, creativity, and helping people surround themselves with meaningful, one-of-a-kind art. 
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? I draw inspiration from nature, sacred geometry, and the emotional energy of color and texture. I’m also deeply inspired by the materials themselves, how glass and tile catch the light, and how patterns evolve through the process. Sometimes it’s a mood, a season, or even a piece of music that sets the tone for a design. Teaching others and seeing their breakthroughs also fuels my own creativity.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I’d love to share how powerful it is to make something with your own hands—even if you don’t consider yourself creative. Whether you’re looking for something beautiful for your home or an experience that awakens your creativity, I’d love to welcome you into my world of color, light, and handmade magic.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My art is created using strips of paper, a traditional art and craft technique called quilling. Paper quilling has been around for hundreds of years, most popular during the Renaissance era. I curl, twist, bend and shape each paper strip by hand to create my work. 

How do you know when a piece is "finished"? When I feel the colors, composition and design elements have all come together, it is finished.    

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? Although paper quilling has been around for hundreds of years, it is still an unknown art form. Through my work, I enjoy showing how traditional art and craft forms can be used to create modern artwork and handmade goods.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My art focuses on wildlife, often portraying animals in family settings that reflect harmony, love, and peace. Each piece is infused with gentle, storybook-like narratives that feel as though they belong in a children’s tale—warm, imaginative, and filled with wonder.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? The Bellevue community does a wonderful job of supporting and celebrating the arts. 
Events like the Bellevue Arts Fair offer an amazing opportunity for people of all ages to experience art.

Where do you find most of your inspiration from? I find endless inspiration in the beauty of the natural world—its rhythms, colors, and creatures—all created by God. The constant change and quiet miracles in nature deeply move me and continually spark new ideas.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My art features Southwest landscapes, storms, skies and stars. I like to incorporate geometric designs to that of our Dine’ rug weavers; transforming traditional stories connecting designs and colors paralleling the harmony between Earth, Sky and Diné.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

As a kid, I always wanted to be artistic - drawing, painting and seeing other artists’ work helped me decide.       

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Contemporary style with a traditional twist.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My art is comprised of mixed media sculptures using dinosaur bones, meteorites, crystals, ancient artifacts, glass, ceramics, metal, concrete, dried flowers and much more.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from nature, astrophysics, and history.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

This is one of the more difficult aspects of my work. I tend to work very detailed and it’s almost always possible to add more details. It’s a very intuitive decision, and I often change my mind later.​

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

Through my photography, I capture the natural world through creative composition and use of natural light to produce fine art prints - using the highest quality materials in the world today.             

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

The repetitive patterns and grand vistas of nature are inspiring.     

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?     

We are blessed to live in a beautiful place and I am blessed to be able to share that with you in ways you may not have seen before.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Asian, nature and the world around me give me inspiration.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

In my Windows of Opportunity when I am working on a piece, it tells me when it is done when I add the last stone or bead to complete the project.    

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Each of my one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are handmade and inspirational for me and I hope for the person who is wearing it.  I hope they see it as an expression of themselves.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

Creating champlevé enamel jewelry is a detailed and rewarding process. Knowing when a piece is "finished" involves both technical and aesthetic considerations. I ask myself these questions: Does it meet my artistic goal? Would I proudly wear or display / sell this piece?  Does it match the quality I expect from my professional work? What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

There was a moment when I realized I was meant to be an artist. It wasn't a grand epiphany, but a slow recognition, revealed through the rhythm of making. The act of creating enamel jewelry felt both ancient and intimate. I feel that I found a language that lets me speak without words.  I’m drawn to this technique for its precision, its patience, and its permanence. Each piece I create is a study in contrasts: glass fused with metal, fragility held by strength, color suspended in stillness. My work explores memory, transformation, and the beauty of quiet details. 

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I honestly consider myself a “craftsperson”, rather than an artist.  I learned the craft of bookbinding by chance.  After finishing design school in 1992, I took the advice of my undergrad mentor and took a year off to go backpacking around Europe to see “truly old architecture”. Five months into backpacking around sketching all the old buildings, a little kid stole my backpack in the train station in Rome with my journal in it. Truly crushed, and desperately searching for a new sketchbook, I wandered into a bookbinders’ shop in Venice the following week. He shared his craft with me during those lovely days and yet I truly just thought it was a wonderful experience I would tell my grandchildren about someday.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

History. The style of binding originated centuries ago with monks in Italy.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I’ve been coming to the show often on since the mid-90s. And I have a lovely little shop in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The Pacific Northwest is where my heart is!

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I'm inspired by classic shape and design principles.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? I've always been an artist. My first career was photography and I started woodworking during pandemic in 2020.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Wooden bowls and vessels warm a home and add to the enjoyment of dining.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My work explores movement, energy, and cycles-of-life in rich, colorful, and nuanced nature-filled compositions of flowers, still life works, ponds, and landscapes. I am interested in the interplay of dynamic dichotomies: fast/slow, hard/soft, light/dark, clear/fuzzy, fine/course. I hear the sounds that the subjects seem to make in my mind, seeing individual elements as part of the whole ensemble. 

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

My art is centered in bridging inner and outer worlds. When people can feel poetry and a sense of something beyond and through the painting, it brings a sense of healing and peace.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I create framed and frame-ready wall art showing whimsical and thoughtful scenes using beach/sea glass from all over the world, collected by my own hands and sandy fingers. Pens, watercolors, driftwood, and beach stones all have their place in my work.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I have always been a crafty person. My first love was calligraphy, brought on in the eigth grade when my mother took us to a very rainy, cold and windy spring break on the Oregon Coast. Thank God for a book store that had a book, "The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting" by Fred Eager. That was almost 50 years ago and I still have it! That book started me on to a love for crafting and is why I incorporated a pen nib in my logo.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Sea glass is a limited resource. It has a story and a history to tell. I love talking to people. It makes me happy to explain where a piece of glass was found and what its origins might be. A bottle? A candy dish? A taillight from long ago? My treasure was another's rubbish and I'm giving it new life.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?  

I describe it as complexity within simplicity.   How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

The work will tell me in a very clear way; there will be nothing more to add or do... it's an obvious thing.

What is something you want to share with the Bellevue community?

​Keep it simple, enjoy where you're at in this moment, that's the real magic... right now.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?
When the underpainting has been 90 percent covered, but still peeking out between the brushstrokes, and my painting has the emotional impact I was aiming for, then it's completed.     
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
When I saw van Gogh's painting of irises and Monet's paintings of haystacks in an art museum as a kid, I realized that art could be more beautiful than real life, taking an ordinary scene and transforming it into something extraordinary.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?
I've been displaying at the art shows in Bellevue for over ten years, and it will be good to come back!

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?
Most of my subjects are either personal favorites or exhibit a whimsical nature.  I have a degree in Zoology with a minor in environmental science.  I have studied under watercolor masters to improve my skills and ability to put on paper or board what I want the viewer to see.
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
When the concept is complete and the detail portrays the emotion, it's finished.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
My art instilled a love of the sacred connection between animals, humans, and Mother Earth.  This connection is evident in all my paintings and scratch art, where a blend of attitude, bold color, and a touch of whimsy is woven into realistic pieces of wildlife and wild places.  Birds and horses are my primary subjects, but other animals with unique expressions also find their way into my paintings.  

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I want to share art that celebrates Black culture, emotion, and storytelling. My work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect….to see beauty in resilience, color in complexity, and joy in everyday moments. I hope to bring a sense of warmth, honesty, and creative freedom to the community through my art.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My art is unapologetically colorful, often breaking away from traditional palettes. It has a mosaic-like rhythm layered, textured, and intentional. Each piece is deeply rooted in Black culture, storytelling, and emotion. I create with a sense of freedom, but always with purpose, drawing from lived experiences and shared history.  

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Everywhere and nowhere specific. It's an ongoing collision of whatever I’m consuming. Be that art, media, memes, conversations, random thoughts, or just something that makes me laugh or roll my eyes. Sometimes I’m inspired by another artist’s technique or by a weird image that pops into my head. Other times, it’s just about mood or impulse. I don’t have a formula and I don’t need one. I just follow the threads that seem interesting and let that guide what I make.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

Art doesn’t always need a mission statement. Sometimes it’s just about creating freely and letting people experience it however they want. I want to share work that’s unfiltered and unashamed. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes emotional… I like to let it stand on its own without justifying its existence. If it resonates, great. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I describe my work as “mixed media fusion”, a blending of antique materials, found objects, and bold color stories into layered works of art and jewelry that are bold, deeply personal, and unapologetically different. Every piece is a conversation—between past and present, chaos and beauty, brokenness and resilience.    
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?
There's a sense of "completion" when a piece reaches a certain point, usually letting me know that the work is done.    I've always known, even as a child, that my calling was to share my thoughts and emotions to the world through my artistic interpretation.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I've been inspired by the BAM art fair since my parents brought me to the annual event even as a child. My mother told me that on one adventure to the show, I proudly announced to my parents that one day I would be featured at this show.  And I finally made that happen!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I hand pour vegan, coconut, dashed, apricot, soy wax, and cream blend candles and hand decorate them with rose quartz and a drop of gold leaf. I insert a wooden crackling wick and hand apply all my labels. My mission is to provide beautiful vessels that are kept and refilled. I also create basswood laser cut art.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from nature and music. I love colors, collaborating with artists and my mind is imagining constantly. 
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I usually create something a couple times and then end up changing the colors or the design until it brings me joy.  That's my measuring stick for being finished.    

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

The Red Sea is my inspiration. Growing up we went there a lot and snorkeling there in shallow water with thousands of fish of every color really left an impression on me. Ocean blues are my favorite colors to paint with, so I pour my heart out onto the canvas.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I paint abstract and fluid art that expresses deep emotions and movement, creating colorful art for colorful souls. 
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

It’s okay to be different and dream outside of your expertise. Most limitations are self-imposed, so it’s okay to let that go and do what makes you happy.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

All my inspiration comes from the beautiful world around us. 
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

At an early age the youngest of six boys from a family of twelve, I realized I had a gift to draw and paint.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? In these tough times we face, I hope my art can bring some sort of therapeutic relief.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I handcraft stained glass and wood suncatcher ornaments to adorn a window or wall and bring bright, joyful color to the space.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, my Japanese heritage, and often, from customer interactions and suggestions.
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I will often think a piece is done and leave it to rest for a day or two. When I go back to it and it still feels complete - then I will consider it finished.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I’d describe my work as “twisted whimsy to elevate your home.” It’s functional art with a playful edge—handcrafted pieces like warming baskets, jelly roll mats, and cloth coasters made with care, but never without humor. I blend vibrant colors, quirky patterns, and upcycled materials to create items that feel both cozy and unexpected. It’s where quality meets attitude, and every piece has a story to tell (even if it’s a weird one).    
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from a mix of personal humor, coastal adventures, and the quirky beauty of everyday life. My granddaughter’s wild imagination (and infamous mermaid comment!) 

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My contemporary art captures the raw beauty of nature with bold, expressive brushstrokes and a mix of abstraction and impressionism. Inspired by mountains, forests, and coastlines, my work evokes both movement and stillness—inviting a sense of wonder, reflection, and emotional connection to the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.     
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

A piece feels finished when it strikes a balance of elements, color, and contrast—when it evokes movement and emotion that reflect the beauty of the world around us.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

We make fabric-wrapped rope baskets with cut strips of fabric wrapped around upholstery cord.  The cord is sewn together in an expanding circle with a sewing machine.  When the base is large enough, tip the sewn coil up and sew the sides.  We sometimes add a lid, sometimes adorn the basket with patches or other items.    
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? I didn't. My daughter and I wanted to spend time together and this let us work on and sell baskets together.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? The Bellevue community appreciates all forms of art and I appreciate that.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? I create modern fine jewelry that reflects a global perspective and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Growing up in Tanzania and shaped by diverse cultures, I design pieces that feel both powerful and graceful — substantial gems set in bold, architectural forms, yet softened by sinuous details and refined finishes. My work is handcrafted in my Seattle studio using responsibly sourced precious metals and custom-cut stones. Each jewel is meant to be sophisticated but deeply personal, inviting connection and becoming quietly addictive to wear.       
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? From a young age, I was captivated by how beauty and craftsmanship could evoke emotion. Growing up surrounded by vibrant colors, cultural diversity, and the artistry of everyday objects, I knew I wanted to create pieces that hold meaning and become part of people’s lives and memories. Jewelry felt like the perfect medium to combine storytelling, technical skill, and personal connection.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? My art is mostly inspired by the natural environment, but much of my art is infused with a bit of whimsy.    
How do you know when a piece is "finished"? My husband is often frustrated by my seemingly arbitrary decision of when a painting is finished. He often thinks a piece should be done when it doesn't feel complete to me yet. There is a feeling of 'completeness' that happens as I near the end of a piece. I just feel it. Sometimes I have to step away from a piece and let it sit in my studio for a bit before I can figure out how I want to complete it.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? My art depicts the natural world as I see it, with a twist of punchy colors, curiosity, playfulness, and enchantment.     

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? I create traditional designs in sterling silver that complement a wide variety of cabochon gemstones.  Worldwide coins are wire wrapped into pendants, earrings, and rings.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? I retired from the USDA Forest Service - having spent most of my career as a timber cruiser.  I see leaves, cones, and flowers in jewelry designs.
How do you know when a piece is "finished"? It's a great feeling to hold a beautiful yet functional piece of jewelry and realize it's my own creation.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? Sometimes the greatest joy can be generated by the smallest of details in an otherwise common object.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? I make ceramic wares that are thrown on a wheel and altered. Each piece is unique, modern, and earthy.     I draw inspiration most often from wooden and metal forms and the unique lenses from which I view the world. 
How do you know when a piece is "finished"? I know a piece is finished when it no longer tugs at me for more.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I feel honored to bring ceramics into the world and for them to be a part of daily rituals and something as special as mealtimes. 

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

Map what matters - this idea guides the creation of my maps. Cut away the unneeded, including only what is essential to a place and maps that feel like poetry rather than long prose.        

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? I draw inspiration from the repetition of form across scales in nature, the way a mountain or watershed shares characteristics with trees, anemones, and microscopic cells. Everybody deals with the same physics, creating similar patterns from cells to ecosystems.
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I'm excited to return after a three-year hiatus. This year, I have a totally new map type, which uses travel time for boundaries, rather than topography. I will have a map in this style that is specific to not only Bellevue, but the art fair itself!

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event!

Where do you find most of your inspiration from? Beauty found in the mundane is my inspiration. I am drawn to the connection and influence that we as humans have with our surroundings, whether that be nature, animals, or experiences.     
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

When the piece tells the story or feeling that you are hoping to share, it's complete. 
I started many years ago as a simple hobbyist who found myself using art as a compass for navigating life, which has evolved into an intense desire to create.     

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? My art is earthy, edgy, silver and gold jewelry that looks like it was made for medieval royalty.        
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? Ancient artifacts provide me inspiration.  

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I enjoy making art as much as I enjoy connecting with customers and patrons.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I'm a fine-art jeweler and a devoted rockhound, so I am drawn to the raw beauty of natural gemstones, celebrating their unique inclusions and imperfections as hallmarks of their earthly origins. Each of my designs is an exploration of the extraordinary within the everyday, transforming earthly treasures into wearable art.    

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I know a piece is finished when everything feels in balance. There’s a point where nothing feels out of place or incomplete, and I’m no longer tempted to adjust anything. It’s more of a feeling than a rule—like the piece has found its voice, and it’s time to let it go.    

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I'm honored to share this space with other fantastic artists and with the Bellevue community.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

Lushly Carved Impressionistic Landscapes in Oil!

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I was a high school teacher and coach who started painting at night on weekends for therapeutic release. I remember one day I was coaching football and daydreaming about what I would paint. I knew where my heart was then and it was just a decision to follow my passion in life.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share my work in Bellevue! Let’s celebrate!

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

When my high school teacher told me I could choose art as a profession, that was the moment.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

When the composition feels balanced, it's finished.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I would like my viewers to feel a deeper connection to nature through my artwork.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I hand blow each individual bubble out of Pyrex tubes. It is durable and delicious to see, and wonderful to touch and hear. They are light and happy. I incorporate slide film and mixed media on precious metal.     

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I just want to share my work that I bring. I love this show. Always have.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I paint realistic watercolor landscapes, wildlife, florals, and seascapes that capture the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I'm drawn to snowy farm stands, vivid Washington blue and stormy skies, and birds.     

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I live on Puget Sound and am inspired daily by the beauty I see from my window.    

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I look at it and feel satisfied, even happy that I put on paper what was in my head.  Then, it's done.       

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I've always enjoyed painting but fell in love with watercolor during COVID-19 lock down and have painted constantly ever since.

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

My process starts with my travel adventures in the Pacific Northwest, hiking, camping, and being surrounded by nature. I document my journey with photographs and sketches and then use those ideas in a unique way, often combining the best of different scenes together to make an “idealized” view. I infuse a good amount of color into my work because I feel that artwork should never be boring, it should capture the imagination and change its character throughout the day as the light changes in your home.

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I know my work is finished when I live with it in my own home and walk by it every day and it gives me a sense of accomplishment and wonder.    

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I've always loved art since I was a little girl. I still have the first drawing my mom saved from when I was two years old. I haven't found anything that brings me as much peace as when I'm painting. 

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I paint hope. Through fluorescent and phosphorescent acrylics combined with traditional oils, my work awakens wonder. Landscapes painted loosely, feeling realistic at a distance but abstract when seen up close. Viewers' eyes and memories "complete" each piece. Because of the nature of the painting layers, these works look different in different lighting (at dawn or dusk, for example, sunsets will have an extra glow), with some even able to be experienced with no light at all. 

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I listen to audiobooks when I work and this is a source of inspiration with so many topics and genres - historical, contemporary, fiction and non-fiction. Inspiration and problem solving are all about making connections and combinations between subjects that, at least initially, appear unrelated.    

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

My sources of inspiration are other makers, comedy, and what I can learn from previous generations.    

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

My grandmother was an artist, always creating. As a child, I would spend one day a week with my grandparents, and those days with her were filled with creativity—we painted, made pottery, and drew together. Her warmth, positivity, and openness left a lasting impression on me. I believe those early experiences helped shape who I am, and I’ve maintained creative practice ever since.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?  

I am a furniture maker who creates functional art. My work is rooted in simple, clean forms, enriched with subtle details that draw you in. These details aren’t meant to distract but be discovered, adding depth and quiet intrigue to each piece. 

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Nature is an influence for some of my work, and the basic principles of design, balance, contrast, repetition, negative space, and line.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I was an art major in college, a teacher in local schools, and a potter for 15 years. I left the art field when I became an insurance agent for 20 years but during that time I studied metals, with the intention of returning to the art world.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?  

My work is contemporary in design and I hand fabricate unusual texture plates. These plates are created with my torch (and not cast), so they are one of a kind texture plates. I add unusual shaped semi-precious stones to add color. I create pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, and silver boxes.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?
An alternative to beige.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
Everything I see hear, smell, touch or taste feeds my inspiration. It talks to me. 
How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
My studio is an exquisite lamp maker.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
My acrylic paintings feature landscapes, birds, trees and flowers that I observe around me in the Northwest.    
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
The mountains and the sunshine inspire me.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?
The world is an incredibly beautiful place.  And our corner is a particularly beautiful slice of it.  Just look around.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My work is abstract in an expressionist style using organic shape, line, and luscious color. I use movement, contrast, and layers to create a sense of depth so one might feel they could enter the painting.     

How do you know when a piece is "finished"?
When nothing is catching my attention in a way that draws me away from the whole, and I feel the energy of the piece, then it is finished.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?
I've lived in Washington for just five years and I am honored to show my work in Bellevue for the first time. I can't wait to meet you and share my work!

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I've been creating art since I was a little kid, and I remember how focused and calm I would feel when making things, and how satisfying it was to see the results. I've been doing it ever since.  

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I make jewelry from pieces of vintage China that are cut and carved into smooth shapes and pieced together with gold fill and sterling silver. The beautiful pattern on the China is preserved and transformed into something wearable.     
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I do a lot of custom jewelry using China that people bring to me. So, bring your China to the arts fair and we can create something custom for you!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
I create exotic and domestic woods laminated to create functional and non-functional artwork.
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I worked in a logging camp and became exposed to the natural wood.  That was how I found my way to being an artist.   
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I have been doing the BAM show since before the parking garage was put in.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I use the most ancient textile technique: combining wool and silk fibers with water, soap, and vigorous kneading to create a strong, durable, and unwoven material called felt.
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

Handmade fine craft is therapeutic, both the making of it and the ambiance a finished piece brings to space.
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I knew because of the amazing possibilities we can create with the combination of silk and wool and hand-dyed colors. 

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I paint tiny, whimsical watercolor vignettes.   
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Magic in the natural world, signs and symbols delivered from Spirit, give me inspiration.  
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?
When it feels like it’s carrying a message, I consider it finished.    That realization precedes my memory, but I assume my pursuit of art followed the joy I felt in creating things.    

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My art is functional works, hand-crafted from nature's treasures.  I specialize in exotic, burl, and embellished wood turnings of bowls, platters, peppermills, and other goods.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Natural forms large and small, from the grand works of "mother nature" to the intricate detail revealed by a close-up inspection.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

An engineer by training, I am drawn to forms that are functional and elegant. As an outdoorsman, I enjoy the intricate and natural. As an artisan, I strive to combine these features into something purposeful and attractive.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

Ancestors inspire me as a sixth-generation weaver.    
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

Following tradition and revolution toward corporate jobs propelled me into art.    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

The Bellevue community has one last opportunity to wrap up in incredible soft and beautiful blankets for life. This is our 50th and last year of show!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

Wood is the pallet; nature is the artist. I complete what nature has started.    
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I look for spatted, figured, burl, unique, pieces of wood that basically show me what they should be.     
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? 

I assemble; nature has finished it.  In my parents' generation, if it was broken you fixed it and if you needed it, you made it. Things were made to last. I wish to make something that will last and be enjoyed.   

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

When sunlight catches an ordinary object just so, or when a special color resonates with my soul – that is what captivates and inspires me. Those unexpected moments that reach out and grab your attention and that demand to be painted!    
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I realized I wanted to be an artist when I found that I cannot live without the process of creating art -- it's essential to my happiness!    
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community?

I hope you can make it to the Bellevue Arts Fair to check out all the great art and meet some of the artists.  And I'd love it if you stop by my booth to say hi!

Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the northwest coast. 
How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

I wait and look at it off and on for maybe a few days or weeks before I sign it. Then, it's done.
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

Started playing with color crayons and making my own drawings when I was I grade school. I always looked closely at the Saturday Evening Post covers that we received each month when I was growing up.  Art was something I was just born with it, I guess. In high school, my art teacher encouraged me to go to an art school, which I did.

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? I have always been creative, but having the example of my grandma who was a potter definitely influenced my decision to become a professional artist. Seeing her set up her booth at shows and spending time in her studio gave me a glimpse of what life as an artist would be like, and I loved it.  
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? This region of the country is where I was lucky to grow up. The surrounding mountains, trees, lakes, and rivers are something I took for granted as a child. Only after moving away did, I realize how special this place is. It will always feel like "home", and I am grateful to be so connected to this corner of Washington.​

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 
Art takes many forms, including the culinary. But culinary art should be more than just food that is visually appealing. It is, in its truest form, about the entirety of the experience: appearance, taste, the harmony and complexity of flavors, its approachability and ease of use, and, at its core, how to best and beautifully enjoy "food as medicine" that tastes amazing. 
What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? I love trying new things, especially new foods with new herbs and spices. Sipping vinegars are a natural extension of my love of both the culinary and exploring food as medicine (but it should taste good!).   
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? Bellevue's support of the arts is amazing! Thank you for making space for art at this beautiful venue - come taste some Wild Heart culinary art!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I would describe my art as intuitive, healing, and emotionally vibrant. It’s a visual journey of color, energy, and movement—created to uplift the spirit and invite a sense of calm and connection. My work blends techniques like acrylic pouring, swipe painting, and hand-painted details on surfaces like canvas, glass, and functional objects. 
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

I draw most of my inspiration from nature, emotion, and the unseen energy that connects us all. The way light dances on water, the shifting colors of the sky, or the quiet strength of a tree rooted in the earth—these moments speak to me. I’m also deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. Whether it's my own healing journey or the stories others share with me, I channel those emotions into my work. Each piece is a response to what’s stirring beneath the surface—grief, joy, hope, transformation. That’s where the art begins.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

My art is a blend of craftsmanship and storytelling, expressed through artfully and uniquely designed natural soaps and soy candles. With more than 10 years of crafting experience, I pour my heart into each piece, creating not just something useful, but something meaningful. Many of my creations are Seattle-themed to celebrate the spirit of the city we love, perfect as souvenirs for Seattle visitors or anyone who wants to take a little piece of this beautiful city home with them.

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I’m excited to present my artistic soaps and soy candles at the 2025 Bellevue Arts Fair. My creations are inspired by the beauty and stories all around us. I hope they’ll be a great addition to the fair and bring a little joy and creativity to everyone who stops by. I can’t wait to meet you and share what I love to do!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before?

I create vibrant and colorful mosaics using stained glass, beads, and bling.     

What made you realize you wanted to be an artist? Yikes, I wish I knew!    Although I worked in the corporate world for several years, I always had various projects in several mediums. When I left the corporation, I decided it was now or never!   

What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? We have many local artists here, and we’d all like to share our artwork with you!!

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

My art is about everyday observations. As I go about my day, moments when I attend an event, travel with family or talk with my friends all form the subjects of my artwork. I am inspired when I read or see a photograph or flip through a magazine. Some works are inspired by my heritage, and some are a result of daydreaming.    It is the intuitive feeling of completeness that lets me know it's finished. Some pieces are easier to know than others. One of my paintings, Women in Ochre... I came after a year to change the background! 
What is something that you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? We are blessed to live in a diverse community with natural beauty surrounding us, inspiring my creativity.

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it before? 

I believe my role is that of capturing the phenomenal beauty that already exists all around us. Nature is an infinite source of inspiration with a power to heal, transform, and uplift.

What is something you'd like to share with the Bellevue community? I’ve had the privilege of participating in the Bellevue Arts Festival for the past four years, and the response and support from this community—twice even during intense heat waves—has left a lasting impact on my growth as an artist and my confidence. Whether it’s children squealing with delight at the sight of rainbows in my work or returning customers who seek me out year after year, I always leave Bellevue filled with gratitude and renewed inspiration. I hope my work has had similar positive impact on the lives of the visitors, as well.