Artist’s Statement

I have lived in three countries and six states. I draw inspiration from the incredible diversity of nature that surrounds me in each place I live. The rippled, sandy, seabed that is visible at low tide in Massachusetts intrigues me. In Michigan the woods and rolling fertile farm fields draw me in. The Colorado mountain topography, the vibrant palate of wild flowers and the pungent aroma of each species of evergreen tree awe me. In Ireland layers of fog, distinctive rains, mosses and vibrant greens captivate my imagination. I appreciate the freedom of the wide sky, open fields and lush sunsets of Nebraska. Tree-lined streets of Madrid create dappled, dancing shadows under the intense sun and dazzle me. While living in New York City I escaped to the woods and peculiar, layered, rocky cliffs in Upstate New York. In the city I gravitate to confined nature in city parks and the lapping waves of the rivers. The flat plains and farm fields surrounding Berlin bear resemblance to the Nebraska landscape. In California I am fascinated with the rocky coast, sunshine, as well as abundant plant life in every nook and cranny.

As a child my interest in form and detail manifested itself in intricate handwork. I sewed clothes for my dolls and myself. I learned to knit, needlepoint, decorate cakes, make soap, and weave baskets.

My artwork is a response to the rhythm and organic forms that I ingest through observing nature. Upon returning to the studio I employ the handwork techniques from my childhood as I recreate some of the irregularity and beauty of nature. I reference a specific aspect of the natural environment — the shadow of a leaf, the gesture of a flower stem, the repetition of plant forms in a field, the jagged topography of a mountain.