Artist Statement
My creative practice is a continuous exploration of the symbiotic relationships between the natural world and human community. As an environmental scientist and a Michigan native, my work is rooted in the ecology of freshwater systems and the principles of land stewardship and conservation. I view the components of an ecosystem not merely as scientific subjects, but as a blueprint for how we cultivate belonging, express love, and form lasting connections.
Linoleum printmaking has been my primary medium since arriving at Denison. Printmaking allows me to distribute my work widely, fostering a sense of shared ownership. I expand on this through bookmaking and fiber arts, where I explore the physical history of my media. From hand-casting paper with milkweed pulp, to experimenting with homemade botanical watercolors, I integrate the environment directly into the substrate of my work.
This commitment to sustainability has evolved into a quilting practice. By repurposing fabric scraps—many of which were inherited from my late grandmother—I give "new life" to discarded materials. In this way, my fiber work serves as both an act of environmental conservation and a tactile memorial, honoring ancestral lineages while advocating for a more sustainable future.
Ultimately, my work investigates what it means to be interconnected. Through the integration of print, book arts, and textiles, I strive to create a visual language that honors the complexity of our environment and the tenderness of our human bonds.