Artist Statement

W I T H N A T U R E

“An ode to all that exists around us quietly”

W I T H N AT U R E is a three part series: The first part features watercolor paintings in the style of traditional storybook illustrations; the second part includes a collection of hand carved lino block prints, and part three holds one of kind, hand painted jewelry boxes, inspired by the traditional Scandinavian art form of Rosemaling.

This collection pulls from traditional folk art styles and storytelling methods, while quietly observing the world around us. This is my commentary on what, I feel, can be noticed, when we abandon the fast paced, ever evolving lives we live, and simply sit quietly, with eyes wide, for a moment. My hope is that when you engage with these works, you are left with a feeling of warmth and nostalgia ~ as if you have turned back the pages of time and feel the deep magic rooted in childhood and the joys of long forgotten traditions. I hope my work evokes whimsy and curiosity, and makes you slow down as you discover all the details hidden within each piece.

These original paintings were created within the past six months, using a combination of watercolor, gauche and acrylic. I pull inspiration from the beauty surrounding us in the natural world, and from the tender moments I observe when I unplug from chaos and quiet my mind. This work is also heavily inspired by traditional quilting techniques and the patterns they make, this inspired the boarders for these pieces. The work is narrative, using traditional storybook illustration style to reveal small, quiet moments. I use, what I describe as a “puzzle effect” to create these paintings. I work using many colors that flow into one another and dance around the spaces that are left white. I use no color blocker, white pens or paint, but instead tenderly preserve this white space. The painting is slow and methodical, taking on a meditative quality. Although there are many easier ways to achieve this result, I find this process most satisfying and interesting, as the paint and paper contribute to the work just as much as I do.

The prints have been created slowly over the past year or so, as I explore themes of scientific illustration, the intrigue of nature, and the inner monologue of dreams. Creating a lino block print means starting with a sketch, and transferring it to the block. Carving tools are then used to create a stamp or relief. The block is then inked,

placed onto a paper and burnished with hands and a wooden spoon to transfer the image. Although a block can be used many times, each print is still a unique work of art, as no two prints are ever the same.

The jewelry boxes were created in the past three months specifically for this partnership with Magpie. Each box was sourced by me, found at a vintage market or antique store. The boxes were then sanded down and repainted with a base color. Each box was then carefully hand painted, inspired by traditional Rosemaling, which involves

painting natural motifs in a decorative manner. My take on the art form, is unique and without boundaries and has a more modern sensibility ~ less ornamental than the traditional practice, focusing on bold color and shape, and occasionally introducing storytelling through imagery.

This current body of work is truly just meant to embrace beauty and sentiment. I encourage you to sit with each piece and allow it to speak to you. There is no wrong in individual interpretation, all I hope is that my work brings you joy and evokes just a bit of nostalgia and magic deep within your heart.

Lastly, to forward the nostalgic factor I am happy to create individual, custom works of art such as memorials, in any media. There are examples of this throughout this show, as you can see, with many beloved animals featured.