Artist Statement

I have long been drawn to the simplicity and whimsy of illustration-style watercolor. I was fortunate to grow up in a home where creativity was encouraged, and I’ve explored a variety of media over the years, including fabric, clay, acrylics, papermaking, and mixed media collage. While serving as a Keeley Healing Arts artist-in-residence at the local hospital a few years ago, I began drawing cards for patients and visitors to color and paint. Since I would often create with patients, I also painted some cards myself. I fell in love with watercolor for its combination of subtle blendability and bold surprise, as well as its cheerful clarity of color. Gradually I immersed myself in the medium, creating work outside the hospital setting. For me, creating is a meditative, healing process. I used to be preoccupied with precision, but I’ve become fond of the life in the wobbly line—imperfections reveal the hand of the human at play.

I’m inspired by the natural world but often create largely from my imagination. My preferred subjects are playful representations of nature—fantastical flowers and whimsical birdies, the occasional beach or mountain landscape. I always feel like I’m on the right track when a piece makes me smile as I’m working on it— perhaps that smile will carry over to the viewer. My work has been called “gentle” and “joyful,” two qualities I’m happy to encourage more of in the world.