Artist Statement

I’ve always searched for magic in the ordinary. Influenced by magical realism, history and lore, Victorian sensibilities and decoupage while also drawing from memories, vivid dreams, and familial stories. Then otherworldly creations stemming from reality emerge. Various items such as glass, fabric, scraps of paper, foils, beads and other found items are integrated into my work creating tactile mixed media paintings, collages and fiber works unique to the experience they represent.

Starting with a sketch or reference for a new piece, I’ll select the type of structure the piece will be on first. While contemplating the direction of the piece I’ll choose material from my crow’s nest of items that remind me of the subject or feel like a suitable addition to the story I plan to tell. Then it becomes a call and response between the material, the subject, and the initial sketch or reference photo. Each element plays off of each other and are in constant dialogue.

The longing for moments that have since passed is a major component in my work. While moments of discord and profound sadness are acknowledged and given a space to exist, treasured memories are also sought for and memorialized in paintings as a way to hold on fleeting moments a little longer before they fade into obscurity.