Denise Hook

I have worked in the field of diverse abilities for over thirty-five years; I am an adventurer and love mountaineering, snowshoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and travelling.

I volunteer for Operation Freedom Paws Canada (a local non-profit organization that assists people with PTSD and other health concerns in training service dogs). I love gardening and clearly, I have far too many hobbies and interests for one person to fulfill in a lifetime.

Denise completed an art diploma about thirty years ago - although never took a painting course... I had never really had time to pursue art as a single mom. Two years ago Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through chemotherapy and radiation. She was off work for long time. I didn't have the energy to do the adrenalin sports I love. I got back into my art as therapy and realized how much I love expressing myself through colour, mood and the personalities of some of the subjects I paint. My greatest creative influences are the colours, critters and feelings from nature. I thrive on the greens of the moss in our rainforests and the variety of sounds of the ravens. All of my raven images have come from ravens I have seen and experienced.

When I am snorkelling or kayaking I love the light and feeling the currents around me - that is where my jelly and kelp images emerge from.