This body of work revolves around the themes of family, history and nature. I believe that the past has never really passed and that we are the products of those who came before us. Families are shaped by the experiences, decisions, victories and defeats of the preceding generations, even generations lost from conscious memory. My work attempts to explore my own family’s past and how it has shaped my actions and beliefs. I also explore in the work how my feelings about families in general relate to my thoughts on nature. Both can be comforting and peaceful while also containing the potential for great danger, sadness or disappointment.

I work intuitively, allowing memories, emotions, and associations to flow through me as I construct each piece. Repeated imagery, frayed edges, translucent overlays and hand stitching are standard elements in my work. I use a wide variety of surface design techniques, such as dyeing, screen-printing, direct application of dye and pigment, embroidery, appliqué, discharge, and piecing to construct large and small-scale quilts for the wall. I am interested in the mystery, haziness and uncertainty of life and nature. These ideas come through in my work.


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