We observed the natural world and found rhythm. Geometry was found in shells and flowers.  Navigation was discovered in the stars. Insects and birds mapped the weather. From these gifts we created symbols and patterns. We traveled, bringing our symbols with us. We shared them and they evolved into collective memory. Plants traveled with us too. They carried our traditions, our medicine, our food. There was purpose and meaning all around us. 
Over time, patterns have become decoration. Many of our plants have truned to weeds. But they are still there, connecting us to one another across continents and in spite of borders. 
They are still telling our stories .

This collection represents the my memories connected to common plants and traditional folk art patterns. 

Work as a naturalist, educator, and artist, collide to create a collection that show human patterns, borrowed from the environment, creating unatural boundaries where there should be none. I believe that patterns are a thing that bind us together. They follow us across continents, weaving themselves into our culture to tell our stories. Patterns are way to remind us to reconnect to nature and reiterate that we are one race - human. 

As a landscape painter, I often see the world in sections and slices. This curve of the Earth. That slice of light. A wave of texture over rock. I began to turn this deconstructed view of the world into wall hangings. Each is created with reclaimed or found wood and is a unique work.  Some have painted elements, some are gilt, all tell the story of how I see the world around me when taken piece by piece. 

Each has been sold and are now in homes across the U.S. 

Bitter cold winters. Lush mountains. Bright deserts. These are the images of my travels across America. 

When Covid-19 began hitting the U.S., I was feeling unraveled. The promising spring was becoming a series of cancelations, disappointments, and with it a bout of depression. I needed structure, something to get me out of bed, so I started this project of creating a small landscape each day and selling them for $25 each. They consist of places I've been with those I love or of abstract memories. They brought me comfort and allowed others to bring art into their home during financial uncertainty.

As a naturalist, the smallest elements in nature focus sharply, while backdrops blur and become a nest of feeling. The hoof of a deer, the twirl of a vine, these are the things that stay with me. By sharply seperating these details from their greater canvas, I hope to remind the audience that the smallest moments are sometimes the most memorable. 

One of several projects completed during early days of Covid-19. This is a 10'x8' mural designed and excuted by me. In theme with my love of cross-cultural patterns, this design combines Mexican, Native American, and Americana as a way to bring warmth in our home during a time of anxiety and far. The North Star is a pattern used over and over again in many cultures and often symolizes home and safety. It blends into a variation of delectable mountains (American folk art) which is also often seen as God's eye in Native American culture. The two patterns together represent health, warmth, and well-being. 

A commission to design and execute a pattern based mural for a private vacation home in Ocean City, MD.  Based on tradional quilt patterns: descending mountains and north star. 

October 2018

A commission to create and execute a folk art mural on the steps of a private residence in Charles Village, Baltimore, MD. 

Completed in spring 2018.