A naturalized Texan, I grew up in Northern, California in the middle of a National Forest. I attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles first as a music major, and then graduating with a degree in History. All the while I was a self-taught calligrapher, even teaching informal classes through the USC extension program.

I later moved to Chico, California and pursued studies in the graphic design department. Under the tutelage of Rae Turnbull, I created my first “formal” calligraphic pieces. A move to Texas in the early eighties led to a masters degree in social work from the University of Texas. I also joined Capital City Scribes calligraphy guild, and began to attend weekend calligraphy workshops.