Bone Boutique

My artistic journey is deeply rooted in a philosophy I hold paramount: The Future of Luxury is Sustainable. For me, art is not just an aesthetic pursuit; it is an act of intention, a profound connection to purpose, and a testament to transformation.

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What began as a lifelong passion for crafting, nurtured by my home economics teacher mother, took an unexpected turn into a full-time artistic career. It was a personal pivot point – a decision to embrace healthier habits in July 2020, replacing cigarettes with paintbrushes, that truly opened the floodgates to formal art classes and a new creative life alongside my husband, Phillip.

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This new artistic path solidified during our fossil hunting adventures, where I discovered the hidden stories within ethically sourced animal bones. This revelation birthed Bone Boutique, where I proudly embrace the title of "The Resurrectionist." I meticulously transform these materials – acquired through compassionate community call-ins of roadkill (yes, I still personally pick them up!), generous donations from local farms, and from animals ethically harvested for food – into exquisite, award-winning 3D sculptures and jewelry. Each piece is a tangible act of Wearable Conservation, honoring the animal's legacy while championing sustainability and minimizing our environmental footprint.

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Beyond the bones, my creative spirit spans a diverse range of mediums. While soft pastel was my initial artistic love, my current focus embraces watercolors and other water-based mediums for their fluidity and expressive potential. My "Trashed Masterpieces" series, a testament to upcycling and reimagination, utilizes bold acrylics to give new life to discarded objects. This breadth of work, both 2D and 3D, has been honored with numerous accolades from prestigious institutions, including the North Port Art Center, the Englewood Art Center, Ringling College of Art & Design, Art Center Sarasota, a feature in Fierce Magazine, and being featured on the cover of North Port Living Magazine.

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My dedication extends beyond the easel and the workbench. As co-owner, Phillip and I wear every hat in this family business – from meticulous sourcing to website design, financial management, marketing, and direct customer engagement. This hands-on approach allows us to eliminate middlemen, ensuring that our unique, high-quality art remains truly accessible. We believe the rising cost of living shouldn't deny anyone the joy of owning something beautiful and meaningful; that genuine luxury can and should be attainable.

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Alongside Bone Boutique, our visual arts company, Images of Therapy, extends our dedication to emotional well-being through painting, a craft Phillip also deeply cherishes. Through this venture, and our vibrant North Port Paint Posse, we aim to ignite the creative spark in others, guiding individuals on journeys of self-discovery and emotional well-being. We are so proud of the Posse's continued growth, which recently culminated in the success of their first art show and reception, further proving the healing power of community art.

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To see our work so warmly embraced, earning consistent "Best of North Port" accolades (including five awards in 2025!) and our recognition as the 2023 Rookie of the Year by the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, is incredibly humbling. These "Awards of the People" affirm that our dedication to unique craftsmanship, ethical practices, and sharing nature's stories resonates deeply with our community.

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This is my life's true calling – a fulfillment of the dream to make a living through independent creation, connecting directly with those who cherish art with purpose. It is a beautiful, demanding, and profoundly rewarding journey, fueled by love, creativity, and the unwavering desire for Passion to Meet Purpose in every single piece.