What is your inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from being in nature. Whether it is from summers at the ocean or from walking in the woods or simply staring out my window I will find inspiration. Anytime that I am able to find a tranquil moment in our busy world, I'm able to find something to explore. Sometimes it is simply a branch in the wind or hay with snow on it that sets my mind in motion.
When did you start creating art?
I started creating art when I was 4, I was constantly drawing. My parents saw my talent and allowed me to explore many different art materials including my father's soft pastel set. My entire childhood I was able and encouraged to pursue whatever creative interest I had, even wood carving. This curiosity of materials has served me well in my pursuit in creating the technique I use for my collages.
What makes your art unique?
Using handmade papers sourced from around the world, I create bold strokes of color. These papers allow me to express my view of the world in varied shapes and colors.
When a viewer initially looks at my work they only see the image depicted; on closer look it draws them into the torn papers that creates the image. The image changes each time it's viewed.
How has your art evolved over the years?
My early work contained ephemera of newspaper clippings in which I would work through what was on my mind. Whether it was the loss of a friend by suicide or the joy of adopting a horse or simply frustration over the rising cost of food, I found clippings in old newspapers that would express my feelings and work them into whatever I was creating at the time. While I still use newspapers from time to time I find myself more inclined to express my images without an additional statement.