I first met Drue in 2007. She had been a client of the Firm for a number of years working with Gordon Davidson who is the Chairman of the Firm. Gordy told me Drue was an unusually interesting person and Sumi-e artist. She had been commissioned to prepare a work for the firm and as part of her background research she asked to speak to me.
The first meeting, scheduled for twenty minutes, was still going two hours later. I meet a number of bright, talented people but I could not fit Drue into any of the categories my mind uses to better understand people I meet. Gordy's observations were accurate; Drue is an excellent listener and interesting contributor. She sees connections between various ideas symbols and events that others don't perceive.
ValleyZen grew out of the many conversations we have had. I've learned a lot from hearing her perspective. As is mentioned in others' affirmations of Drue, she creates a positive, powerful but relaxing atmosphere by her presence. So many people seem to sense the negatives immediately and require more time and effort to see the positives. One of Drue's many gifts is focusing on the positives first and evaluating the negatives, if any, later.
—WILLIAM A. FENWICK, Co-Founder, Fenwick & West LLP
Drue has a very special talent to capture a unique feeling in her art by using a brush and handmade ink with the same personal passion and spirit that John Muir and Wallace Stegner did with words in their writing. And, her artwork gains significant meaning and added impact with her special presentation talents using music, poetry, and dance. She is truly one-of-a-kind! And, very importantly, her art has helped to preserve and often improve cultural, historic, and community values. Her artwork generally has a "message" that embodies the irrepressible "Spirit of the West," while paying respect to the ancient form of Sumi-e. I strongly feel that the special quality and her total commitment for her artwork will have a positive and lasting impact on society.
—US Amb. LAURENCE W. "BILL" LANE, Retired Publisher of Sunset Magazine, Ambassador to Australia and Nauru, and Ambassador-at-large and Commissioner General to Japan
We've seen...the talent that [Drue] possesses and the light that surrounds her...She's genuine and we like people like that I see what she does she believes and she lives her life by it and to be around people like that and to be able to harness some of that energy and use it-- bring it into my family and to share with my guests, and loved ones and family and friends, you don't get too many opportunities like that in life so when it knocks on the door you answer.
—CHARLIE AYERS, Former Executive Chef, Google, Inc., Chef/Founder Calafia