In my visual work, I’m interested in patterns both natural and artificial, and in the ways that people express their feelings about plants, animals, and the elements by making stylized representations of them. When I make an animal or plant out of a pattern made up of other animals, plants, or landscapes, I’m often thinking about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth—how a dying flower or leaf in the forest, for example, ends up becoming part of the earth and nourishing a tree. This is especially true in pieces like “Dreams of the Sugar Maple” and “Portrait of My Father.” I draw animals and plants from photographs and I make my work from non-toxic or least-toxic and recycled materials whenever possible. I often show my work at the beautiful Bleeding Hearts Studio in northeast Minneapolis.

My current obsession in painting is animal “portraits” surrounded by a wreath of leaves or flowers. These are inspired primarily by medieval tapestries. I’m also drawn to silhouettes, maybe because of my love of cave paintings, which I find incredibly moving. As for my collage work, I was first inspired to make work with cut paper when I saw the work of the exquisite artist Xin Song when we were at a residency together at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown in 2008. I was working on a novel and poetry while I was there. Being around visual artists made me realize I wanted making art to be part of my creative life as well. 

Please contact me if you’re interested in purchasing a piece or would like more information about it. You can pick up work in person if you’re in the Twin Cities area, and I’m also glad to ship pieces to you (shipping and handling costs are not included in the prices below). 

I also take commissions. I’m especially interested in working with materials that have a special significance to you and which you’d like to preserve—fabric when feasible, for example, or wallpaper scraps from a treasured room. I also enjoy honoring people by depicting their favorite animal with a favorite or symbolic plant, tree, or flower. Please contact me if you’re interested and we can start a conversation about possibilities.  

In August 2023, I'm participating in the 2nd annual WINGSPAN fundraiser and virtual silent auction benefiting the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund. You can bid on two of the pieces pictured below ("Two Moths, Gray and Pink" and "One Moth, Pink and Green"), as well as pieces by other Minnesota artists, to support funding and resources for Minnesota K-12 teachers for pollinator gardens and pollinator programming. On August 24, there will also be a fundraiser event and gallery show at Sociable Cider Werks from 4 to 8 pm. $15 tickets are optional and include a $10 donation to the School Pollinator Fund as well as a beverage (cider, beer, and non-alcoholic switchels available). Food from the fabulous Unidos food truck will be available for purchase. You can find more details here!

Thanks so much for your interest in my work!

Paintings

collage works