I lean into hope as an essential part of navigating the unknowns of this human experience. Without hope, there is no vision.
About Me
I’m a native Alabamian and mixed media collage artist with an eye for finding beauty in the discarded, in the forgotten, and in the natural world. As a visual storyteller and collector, my sensitivity and sentimentality contribute to the overall feel of my work. Layers of imagery and ephemera continually guide me toward my personal truths. My art often expresses what I cannot readily find words for. I believe art has the power to heal both the maker and the viewer.
My home is my refuge as well as a gallery and altar of sorts. Life, art and nature intermingle here. Cut flowers, plants, bird nests, animal skulls, and branches bring the outdoors inside. As a gardener, I am engaged by observing light and shadows, patterns and colors, and seasonal shifts. Always in flux, the garden is an extension of home with space to listen, watch, sit and reflect.
Gathering disparate parts and pairing them in unusual ways to create something more beautiful, interesting, and layered than the individual pieces is at the heart of my collage making. The sum of these parts reveal multiple meanings and greater depth. Ideas are expressed through a myriad of materials including cut papers, ephemera, memorabilia, found objects, vintage photographs, photo copies, paint, fabric, thread and ink. Collage materials are as limitless as the imagination. Drawing with the sewing machine, sewing by hand, and transferring techniques add to more traditional mediums of graphite, printmaking and ink washes. Marrying materials and technique evokes feelings, invites questions and conveys concepts. The ordinary becomes extraordinary. The mundane becomes sacred.
The tactile qualities of making a collage and moving physical pieces on a surface draws me in and sparks my imagination. Placing papers and other collage materials in close proximity allows the magic of textures, patterns, and colors to harmonize. As the pieces begin to work together, the story also begins to unfold. Being in the present moment and in the flow of the creative process involves a lightness as well as a series of micro-decisions - some conscious and others not. Listening, receiving and responding to this stream of information while working with my hands is extremely gratifying.
Recurring themes include exploration of common threads surrounding home, place, flora and fauna. My art examines the ways we are connected to the landscapes in which we live and also to one another.
With a BFA from the University of Montevallo, I currently work as both fine artist and graphic designer in Birmingham, Alabama.
Examples of My Work
Fun Facts
- • Treasures: My pockets are full of things I collect on walks--rocks, feathers, leaves, insect wings.
- • Birdsong: When I first wake up in the morning, I often listen to the birds outside and try to identify them by calls. (Yes, I use the Merlin app if necessary!)
- • Compassion: I’m an empath and tear up easily when moved by conversation—even with strangers. While I've learned to appreciate this as a gift, it still embarrasses me at times.
- • Daily Photos: I shot two polaroids a day for two and a half years in the early 2000's.
- • A Comforting Place: Growing up, I spent a good bit of time browsing books in the library. I still know my library card number by heart.
More About Me
What do you wish you could tell your younger artist self?
Focus on the joy, flow and mystery of the process. Surround yourself with beauty. Create what you love. Follow those pinpoints of inspiration and excitement. Be bold. Experiment, play and have fun! You can’t get it wrong, and you’re not wasting time. You can make a living as an artist. Tune into your gut feelings, and tune out the naysayers. Appreciate those who see and encourage your gifts and talents. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and seen. Finished is better than perfect (and there is no such thing as perfect). Not every piece will be a work of art. Every effort to show up for yourself and your creativity will lead to the next right thing. The creative process is not linear. Art is practice, experimentation and personal expression. You have a story to tell through your art. Art can heal you and others. Embrace the quirky, eccentric and weird--there is no normal. Just be yourself. Explore the road less traveled. Take chances. Nature is inspiration, healer, teacher, therapist, friend. Spend time outside everyday. Art will be a guiding light for you. Trust your vision and intuition. Listen to the inner nudges. Do what moves you. Follow threads of curiosity. Lose track of time.
What other non-artist jobs have you had?
In 2013, I became a reiki master. Reiki is a healing technique based on the idea that energy can be channeled through the practitioner to activate the natural healing processes of the individual to restore physical and emotional well-being. I can feel energy best if my hands are hovering just above and not touching the person. It's easier felt than explained. The mystery of how reiki works still fascinates me, and I consider it a spiritual practice. When the pandemic began, I stopped doing sessions with others.
What one (art) item can you not do or go without?
A pair of small, sharp scissors. My favorites are 5" Fiskars with the orange handles. They're lightweight and easy to handle or take with me if needed.