The generosity of nature is a recurrent theme in my work. I am inspired to use elemental media—graphite and pigments to express the connectedness between the individual and nature. There is the sense, when using these simple materials, of a gifting and thankfulness in their very reconfiguration into visually rich works of art. In printmaking and drawing I enjoy the immediacy of the materials, their tactile nature and the meditative slowness of the process. There is a journey of discovery through the methodical building of image and illusion, utilizing the lushness of copper plate and ink, paper and graphite.
My current body of work is an exhaustive study of the dangerous beauty of Oriental Bittersweet, Celastrus orbicularis, an invasive species. These life size graphite drawings represent a melding of classical botanical presentation and figurative nuance, pushing the similarities of line, form and gesture that is most intriguing when one considers the possibilities for symbolism and narrative.
Selected Exhibitions
2009 Silver Circle Gallery, Holiday Exhibit
2009 University of Connecticut, Jorgenson Gallery, Connecticut Women Artists,
80th Annual Open Juried Exhibition;
Juror: Claudia Seymour; Artist, President Salmagundi Club
2009 Wellesley College Botanical Guild
2009 New England Society of Botanical Artists, Members Exhibit
2009 Wright State University, Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries,
Drawing From Perception VI; Juror: Ruth Miller
2008 Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Alumni Exhibit; Juror: Randolph Melick
2008 Pleiades Gallery; Juror: Joan Young, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art,
Guggenheim Museum
2008 Viridian Artists; Juror: Elizabeth Sussman, Curator, Whitney Museum
2008 Silvermine Guild Arts Center; Juror: Thom Collins, Director,
Neuberger Museum of Art
2008 John Slade Ely House Center for Contemporary Art,
Connecticut Women Artists 79th Annual Open Juried Exhibition
2008 Slater Museum
Awards
2008 Honorable Mention, Connecticut Women Artists, John Slade Ely House
Center for Contemporary Art
Professional Associations
Society of Tempera Painters
American Society of Botanical Artists
New England Society of Botanical Artists
