Julie Stonefelt was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Much of her childhood was spent on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, where her love of nature and wildness began.

Ms. Stonefelt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Evergreen State College and has been studying animal tracking, natural history, native cultures, ecology, writing, and art for over ten years. She has worked extensively with wildlife rehabilitation and nature-based organizations in New York and Washington states. Currently she is the Humane Education Coordinator for PAWS in Lynnwood, Washington.

Ms. Stonefelt uses a variety of mediums for expression, including pen & ink, watercolor, and prose. Her current focus is watercolor on cotton paper, using handmade papers as background. Her work with wildlife continues to be a deep well of inspiration.

I began painting birds and feathers in particular while I was working with injured raptors in New York. One morning I entered a red-tailed hawk's cage and found one of her feathers on the floor. Turning it in my hand, I realized a single feather is a unique work of art ~ a reflection of the birds’ fierce, independent spirit. Since I could not keep those feathers (it is against federal law to posses the parts of most birds without permits), I began painting them in my field journal. This way I would always have a glimmer of the birds’ beauty with me.

Ms. Stonefelt has been most influenced by individuals who boldly and eloquently share a love of nature. Some of these people are: authors Brenda Peterson, Jack Turner and Terry Tempest Williams; poets Mary Oliver and Gary Snyder; musician/songwriter Laurie Lewis; and painter Georgia O’Keefe.

Wildness is all around us, not just in national parks. My vision is that my work will help others see the world in new ways. I hope that people will be inspired to connect with nature, and act on behalf of the wild beings in their neighborhoods from a place of knowledge and love. By raising our voices together to stand for what we believe, we have the greatest chance of ensuring this beautiful planet continues to sustain us both physically and spiritually.

Ms. Stonefelt lives in Edmonds, Washington with her husband and fellow naturalist, Kevin Mack and their three tabby cats Henry, Oliver and Otis.