MY STORY
Art for a Thriving Life
I grew up wandering the woods of Illinois with my Dad. He instilled in me a love of being outside, exploring and learning about local plants, history, and culture. When I moved to Seattle, I transferred that love of exploring to new landscapes. My paintings, drawings, and installations explore the connection between humans and nature, for mutual benefit and wellness of our shared ecology. I hope through my art to help viewers and collectors reconnect with nature for joy, wellness, and conservation.
A portion of my proceeds go to support intersectional conservation and social justice organizations.
I exhibit my work at my Ballard studio, and at local art festivals, markets, and galleries. For upcoming events, please visit the Events tab.
ECO-MATERIALS
I'm an oil painter, and I seek to make positive impacts during my precious and limited time on this earth. My goal is to create art that can biodegrade, use earth-friendly materials, re-use materials, or in some cases all of these! This goal has impacted which materials I use, and that has guided the evolution of my art language. My materials include walnut-oil based paints, traditional gouache, marble-dust gesso, plant-based solvents and varnishes, and a variety of natural material and salvaged supports. I'm phasing out plastics, including acrylics and packaging, wherever I can. Know that when you collect art with me, you are supporting a more sustainable art path!
MY PROCESS
I create in the studio, and out "in the wild". I take a lot of walks, often with my sketchbook in hand. From a stroll in my neighborhood or local parks to more remote trails, I love spending time outside, collecting inspiration, and exploring. I sketch and do small plein air (outdoor painting) studies when I can, and take a ton of photographs. I then work on larger paintings in my studio, based on a specific place or an assemblage of an area, depending on the intent of a given work. to create an expression of a specific place or mood.
EXHIBITS & AWARDS
Selected shows, grants, and awards:
City of Seattle smART Grant, 2023
Holiday Group Show, Shorelake Art Gallery, Shoreline, WA, 2022
Siderails Collective Holiday Art Mart, Seattle, WA, 2022
INTERSATE Juried Group Exhibit, Sarah Spurgeon Gallery, Ellensburg, WA 2019
Art & Flowers Juried Competition, Honorable Mention, Ellington White Contemporary, Fayetville, NC, 2017
Salish Sea Conference Art Exhibit, WA State Convention Center, Seattle, WA, 2015
Skyfeeder installation, Heaven & Earth 6 Outdoor Art Exhibit, Carkeek Park, Seattle, WA, 2014
Group show, Allied Arts Gallery, Yakima, WA, 2011
City of Seattle smART Grant, 2010
COMMISSIONS
I also create commissions, and can create art for you that incorporates a favorite local hiking spot, your garden landscape, or specific colors or sizes. Please explore my art and let me know if you are interested in discussing a custom artwork.
PORTFOLIO
View a selection of my favorite and best works HERE.