Bess is inspired by the nature and wildlife around her. Bess earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences at NC State University, then became a makeup artist for over a decade.

Bess is a self taught artist and her work ranges from murals to making life sized animal shaped paintings and wildlife prints. She does her own woodworking with a scroll saw or a jigsaw to make the animal shaped models, prior to painting them. Bess also serves on the board of her local North Carolina Wildlife Federation chapter, the Southeastern Swamp Stewards. 

“There are so many amazing creatures living right under our nose that often get overlooked. My hope is to educate others of the beauty and complexity of the wildlife around us, aiming to tell their stories visually, in hopes that people will connect with nature, and realize the role that we all play in habitat restoration.”

Bess lives in SE North Carolina with her son, and their dog, 2 cats, and guinea pig, which can often be spotted working alongside of her.