I am intrigued by dualities and metaphors for human relationships. My work uses simple subject matter – to act as a metaphor for these relationships, and the essence of being human.

I go about my days with a watchful eye, and when I notice something, I take a mental photograph of it. Later I explore how these objects can be metaphors for some greater human feeling of tension, harmony, loneliness, or embrace.

I begin a piece by sketching the object. I make small studies on paper, usually pairing two objects together in an uncomplicated composition, using the honesty of raw pencil line, stitching, cut paper or fabric and a light color palette. I then use those small works as studies for the larger paintings.

I am interested in the act of drawing. There is a fascinating renewable nature to the creation of art – making something from nothing, over and over again. I seek to communicate about tenderness and wonder, with a slant of optimism and hopefulness. When I work with my hands, I am reminded of the immediacy of a moment, and my ability to take care, mend, represent, reflect and find a willingness to be compassionate.

I wonder about the stamina of human relationships. I seek to represent their range of strength and frailty, and the constant flux there-in. I know a piece is done when I am confident to stop, and can trust that it will go out into the world, and continue to tell the story from which it began, without lacking details, or saying too much.

When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of appropriateness. The act of creating good work allows me to feel at peace with the present moment. I am comfortable knowing that there is no alternate reality waiting in the wings, and no truer message is being saved for another day.

When people see my work, I’d like them to be filled with a willingness to find joy and be full of wonder. I hope that my pieces whisper permission to be most splendidly alive.

I aspire to see new lands, sew larger tent-tops, and swing-wide the stage curtains of life.