My studio practice is heavily influenced by observations of plant patterns and the interconnectedness of nature and life around it. I look at all our man made goods differently because of my intimate experiences with hand papermaking. It connects me to the earth, and I never feel like I am taking away something, because I know in confidence that the work I make is ephemeral. It can and will likely return to the earth when it’s done. Typically my process begins in nature, and I am often inspired by natural colors and patterns in tree bark or silhouettes at sunset or movements of water. The forms nature has worked on through centuries of evolution are fascinating, and the existence of replicated patterns speaks to the strength in the developed biology that surrounds us. The process of creating paper is a good example of plants being crafted into a versatile item that doesn’t stray too far from its original organic nature. I appreciate the stability in the forms, and also the life that comes through the living fibers. I get to relish in the natural creations of our earth and nurture them along a journey into something that speaks and lives in new ways

 

The work I make ends up being studies of ephemerality; in emotions, nature and our responses to it. I hope to mimic the feelings derived from watching the sun peek through stripes of trees or the laugh of two trees rubbing against each other. In trying to embody these brief moments, the line between human form and organic, earth derived form becomes unclear and blurry. The work that follows is abstract and anthropomorphic. Because I never intentionally bring the human body and its recognizable features into my work, it begins to push the boundaries of what we can see ourselves in and how familiar a form can become by focusing on it. In blurring the lines between familiar and unknown with repetitive forms, the audience can project their emotions easily onto the work because it's unidentifiable. I draw inspiration from nature because of how often structures are repeated, and how much there is to notice when you take a closer look at something you see. When we are little, we all draw trees the same way- tall, skinny trunks and winding branches. Now, looking up close, we can see the differences in bark, branches, types of lichen or plants that grow on them. Their individuality is as complex as ours, and in trees we can see our own reflection.