BIOGRAPHY:

Art has always been a part of my life. As an undergraduate biology student, my studies led me to illustrate wild animals in their natural habitats. As a surfer for over 30 years, I continue to carry this love of animals, and have had innumerable encounters with nature in and around the sea. I hold surfing is as a priceless and important activity for my health, and it allows me to observe shore and sea birds and have close contact with seals and sea lions. I swim with dolphins and see whales passing near shore. These experiences, along with my love for travel, make surfing a compelling and rewarding part of my life.

Inspired by the movie: "The Endless Summer", my travels take me to places in the world in search of good surf in warm climates. I have been to Fiji, Mexico, South Africa, French Polynesia, Japan, and Tonga, and have made repeated visits to Australia, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

In the past 8 years, I have taken up rock climbing; and subsequently have climbed areas such as Joshua Tree and Yosemite National Parks, Idyllwild, Red Rocks (Nevada), Squamish, and more recently climbed through Arizona and southern Utah. My travels to these environments expand my knowledge of this planet as a multifaceted gem.

While surfing and climbing are great physical expression combined with visual and soulful experiences; making art for me is a great visual and soulful expression combined with the physical experience of painting. Whether in my studio or outdoors in a natural setting, these passions compliment each other, and my attention is shared between them to create a balance that I liken to the natural subjects that inspire me.

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND:

• Associate in Arts Degree for Biology from Santa Monica City College
• Associate in Arts Degree for Fine Art with Honors from Santa Barbara City College
• Freshman studies at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), focused on Environmental Biology
• Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from the College of Creative Studies at UCSB (with senior year emphasis on Environmental Art).
• Additional studies: Commercial Rendering & Illustration, Advertising Design, Advanced Computer Graphics, Architectural Drafting, Interior Design Drafting, C.A.D.D.
• Work experience: freelance in illustration and graphic design; landscape & architectural presentation for over 15 years

EXHIBITIONS / COLLECTIONS:

Over 50 group exhibitions, and more than 20 one-woman exhibitions. Over 50 private and 6 commercial collections.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES :

• Exhibit paintings regularly in Santa Barbara county
• Free-lance in graphic design, illustration, and commissioned paintings
• Art instructor at Santa Barbara City College Continuing Education
• Art instructor for youth art programs through the Carpinteria Valley Arts Council
• Sole proprietor of "Oki Designs" greeting cards
• Coordinate children's art projects to raise awareness and protect whales and dolphins

Would you believe I was a professional skateboarder over 25 years ago?

Galen's Humpback Whale