Artist Statement

My artistic portfolio may appear disparate at first glance since it encompasses a range of subjects and styles and explores diverse themes, but upon closer inspection, you will discover the threads that tie my work together. As an artist, I refuse to be confined to a single category and embrace a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating elements of science, philosophy, and cultural studies into my practice. I aim to highlight the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of our natural environment and draw attention to the pressing ecological and social issues facing our planet and society.

My work is heavily influenced by feminist and environmentalist perspectives, such as those of Rachel Carson, Wangari Maathai, and Carolyn Merchant. I aim to explore how these viewpoints can inform an interdisciplinary art practice focusing on nature and interconnectedness. As a feminist and environmentalist artist, I want to reclaim the term "nature" from the patriarchy and challenge the historical exclusion of women and marginalized communities from positions of power and influence.

I believe nature can be a feminist muse because it offers alternative perspectives on gender, power, and hierarchy that challenge traditional patriarchal norms. Ecofeminist art provides a robust framework for reimagining our relationship with the natural world by emphasizing the interconnections between all living things and the importance of sustainability. As an artist, I seek to draw on these perspectives to create works that challenge patriarchal norms and promote environmental sustainability.

My research draws on the imagery and symbolism of nature to explore themes of gender, power, and sustainability. For example, I explore how the form and structure of plants and animals can be used to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. I have always been inspired by the natural environments around me, such as the songbirds and wildflowers of Missouri, flora and fauna of the Sawtooth mountains in Idaho, and the sagebrush and cacti-filled canyons near my home in southeastern Colorado. I love to travel and visit state and national parks whenever possible. Creating artwork based on the animals and plants I have encountered in my travels is especially rewarding.

I examine how ancient traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices, often rooted in a deep respect for the natural world, can offer valuable insights into living sustainably. I believe that my work has the potential to have a positive influence on our society by raising awareness about the importance of nature, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and advancing the cause of feminism, ecology, and environmentalism.

Using a wide variety of media, techniques, and materials in my work is integral to my artistic vision, as it allows me to explore complex ideas and themes in new and innovative ways. Each medium offers unique opportunities for expression and exploration. Whether I am working in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or any other medium, my goal is always to create aesthetically engaging and intellectually stimulating art.

Ultimately, my art seeks to promote social change and inspire viewers to take action to protect our planet and create a more just and equitable world. For example, my large-scale soft sculpture installation, Spring Tide, based on plant and marine species found in Pacific Northwest waters, captures the beauty and mystery of ocean life and inspires others to take a second look at the variety of life teeming in the ocean's tidepools, reefs and kelp forests. I attempted to crochet and sew fibers to mimic the colors, textures, and shapes of this region's diverse animal and plant life and beautiful habitats. By engaging audiences with thought-provoking and visually striking works, I aim to inspire my viewers to take action to protect our planet and to create a more just and equitable world.