After more than 30 years as a florist, I spent my days surrounded by flowers at their most fleeting moments. Painting became a way to slow those moments down and give them a more lasting life.

I was born in Minnesota, but my early years were shaped by living in Texas, Arizona, and Mexico, where I developed a love for folk art, vibrant color, and the warmth of Southwest homes and architecture. During that time, I earned the nickname Sarita, which I use to sign my paintings and represents this playful, color-loving side of my work.

My Minnesota Norwegian heritage also influences my art, especially my connection to flowers, nature, and traditional folk-art motifs. I love how folk art is similar across many cultures and honors nature, beauty and love. Together, these influences shape paintings that honor impermanence while creating something meant to endure.

I currently reside with my wonderful husband and little Papillon pup, Jax in a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona. I spend a lot of time hiking in it's breathtaking landscapes of the Sonoran desert.