I collect pieces of things. I especially like things that are old, that are worn, that look like they would be really interesting to touch, that came from someone I know, that are pieces of something larger, or that I find humorous. I have many boxes and bags of things that I think are interesting, but what do I do with them? One solution is to make them into art. In art, not only can I highlight what I think is most interesting about the things I find, I can put them together for other people to look at and come up with what they think is interesting as well.

My art is a way to bring together traces of people, including myself, in an effort to sort through what’s been left behind, to visualize the complexities of life, and to find new stories to share. It celebrates the beauty in the common as well as the push and pull of the sea of objects that fill our lives. It acknowledges the way that we make personal connections to our belongings and project personalities and spirits onto them.

I have a background in sculpture but also draw from a childhood spent making things with scraps from my mom’s sewing projects. My processes have links to quilting, embroidery, clothing construction, and doll making but extend these techniques in new directions. My art is a way to bring together traces of people, including myself, in an effort to sort through what’s been left behind, to visualize the complexities of life, and to find new stories to share.

I enjoy sharing my art with others and helping them see the possibilities in the world around us. In addition to being an artist, I’m also an art educator.

Lately, I’ve added photography to my portfolio. This is an outgrowth of years spent documenting the community arts programs in which I’ve worked and my joy recording the learning process that occurs in the art room. In addition to photographing art program participants, I enjoy photographing the beauty of nature around me, especially in my little garden.