Growing up Cortni learned to spend happy hours making art of one kind or another. The 1960's and 70's were a fertile time for arts and crafts. She learned early too that following patterns was less fun than making her own designs in needlepoint, crewel embroidery, knitting and crochet. Drawing and painting were regularly used media for sketches and more developed pieces. Silk screen and block printing emphasized an understanding of 2D design. Batik and tie-dye were early practice in surface design for fabrics. An early fashion designer, Cortni made fanciful outfits for miniature animals. Later sewing on quilts, and clothing as well as numerous small projects intensified her love of fabrics, color and texture.

While pursuing a computer science degree, Cortni explored theater set design. A summer adventure turned serious when learning carpentry opened a new range of independence - and design possibilities. She moved to the Adirondack mountains in New York to work for builders there. Eventually going solo and collaborating with friends, Cortni continued to repair, rennovate and build professionally for nearly a decade. Carpentry fostered a sense of proportion, simplicity and scale in her design mind.

Returning to Massachusetts, Cortni collaborated with a friend to open an espresso shop. This educational business experience demanded updated computer skills. It lead eventually to some graphic design of marketing pieces for the store. Going back to school Cortni studied graphic design and web design applications becoming proficient in digital photo editing, electronic freehand drawing, print layout software and typography.

Fifteen years later Cortni plays sculpturally in wood, paint, or fiber. Color is an important element, as are gesture, texture and negative space.

Working partly as a carpenter and partly in web/graphic design, gardening, schmoozing with pet llamas, goats and chickens, folk dancing and volunteering in folk dance organizations fill out her days.