A continuing series of artworks that encapsulate personal observations and social commentary. At first glance, the primary image draws the viewer in with references to vintage anatomical illustrations. Upon closer inspection, the intricate process unveils layers of torn and combined papers, where small narratives and abstract juxtapositions of flowers, animals, foliage, and colors come into focus. These collages simultaneously weave multiple stories: the overarching form, the myriad images on each torn piece, and the constructed narratives emerging from the juxtapositions of ripped wallpaper.

The Women Suite comprises four collages inspired by a vintage German etching featuring women of diverse ethnicities. The original etching depicted the women facing forward, with fig leaves covering their genitalia and with a thin red line marking their body measurements. Notably, the white German female was given elitist treatment. In these collages, the original heads and bodies are modified to more contemporary women figures, emphasizing equality, strength, and individuality. Each six-by-three-foot artwork shares the same wallpaper and the titles reference flowers from the women's respective continents. Unlike the original etching, where the red line highlighted differences, in the collages, the red line symbolizes our shared pasts and serves as a metaphorical thread connecting us all.

The Renaissance series is a grouping of three artworks of skeletons inspired from vintage scientific illustrations. Each mixed media collage is six feet tall by four feet wide and all are made from sepia colored Schumacher wallpaper. The process includes hand ripping the toile wallpaper, reconfiguring the torn pieces into the various skeleton poses and then sealing and varnishing the artwork. Each piece is inspired by a vintage illustration from Christoph Jacob Trew, a German doctor and botanist from the 18th century.  The first piece completed of the three skeletons was Renaissance Man: He. He faces backwards and alludes to the notion of men looking in the past. Renaissance Woman: She was created next, a female and facing forward. She is forward thinking.  And thirdly, Renaissance: They. They is positioned in a side view, not looking forward or back but, straddling both worlds, a non-binary figure. Although skeletons can symbolize death, each artwork upon close inspection is full of life with illustrations of  floral and fauna throughout. The pieces are representative of biology and evolution, honoring both ancestry and contemporary society. 

Across the pages of history, hands have stood as powerful symbols, encapsulating a myriad of dimensions within the human experience and reflecting elements of both the unconscious and conscious psyche, both on individual and collective scales. Hands embody strength, power, and protection, while also serving as symbols of qualities like generosity, hospitality, and stability. The act of 'shaking hands' further compounds their significance, carrying dual meanings of greeting and friendship, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping our self-perception.

This series of hand wallpaper collages seeks to imbue each representation with symbolism and associations that extend beyond their physical depictions. By transcending mere visuals, these artworks aspire to convey deeper layers of meaning, offering viewers a richer tapestry of interpretation beyond the surface.

Birds hold a profound symbolic significance, often revered as emblems of freedom and eternity, owing to their remarkable ability to ascend into the boundless expanse of the skies. The symbolism attached to birds is rich and diverse, with these winged creatures being intertwined with notions of infinite possibilities, renewal, and the seamless transition between life and death. Their flight serves as a poignant metaphor for the boundless potential that life holds, as well as the perpetual cycle of renewal and transformation.

My wallpaper collages draw inspiration from vintage naturalist illustrations to encapsulate the essence of bird symbolism. These artworks blend the intricate details of naturalist depictions with the patterns, colors and images from wallpaper. The juxtaposition of vintage elements with contemporary artistic techniques in these collages creates a visual narrative that not only pays homage to the historical fascination with avian life but also resonates with the enduring and universal symbolism that birds carry. In this way, the wallpaper collages become a visual exploration of the profound and timeless meanings embedded in the graceful flight and ethereal presence of these avian creatures.

While some may associate skulls primarily with death, for me, they take on a different symbolism—one that encapsulates life, a life rich with experiences and suggestive of happiness. Consider "Smiley," an imposing 60 x 48-inch skull featured in a wallpaper collage. Initially presenting as a potent symbol of death, a closer examination reveals images of people nestled within the cranium. These figures, reminiscent of a bygone era, portray sentimental scenes of couples dancing and frolicking in a forest meadow. The imagery within the skull conjures memories of a picturesque and idealized past, offering a poignant counterpoint to the conventional associations of death and malevolence. Through the innovative fusion of vintage images in a contemporary artistic process, each skull in this series transforms into a powerful symbol of life within death. Adorned with floral elements and scenic depictions, this distinctive approach revitalizes traditional symbolism, encouraging viewers to reassess their preconceived notions and to recognize the intricate interplay between life and mortality.

Throughout the annals of history, humanity has dedicated itself to the study of animals and their intricate behaviors. Animals, assuming roles as mythical heroes and guardians, have consistently served as symbolic reflections that illuminate facets of our own nature and life's intricate complexities. This series of animal collages aspires to imbue each creature with symbolism and associations, transcending the physical representation of the depicted beings.