Textiles have been part of my life as long as I have memories. My grandmother Lillian teaching me to design, machine, and hand sew by making clothes for my dolls when I would spend weeks in the summer with her. Learning screen printing in high school. Falling in love with pattern and texture in college. To realizing that knitting was a perfect hobby while watching a toddler.

My work builds upon the firm foundation of a Bauhaus biased design education and the use and reuse of fabrics both of my depression era grandmothers emphasized. And looking at how we can reduce waste in our own homes and lives.

Indigo is the basis for most of the dyed fabric used in my art. Most of the dying techniques I use are Japanese based. The love of the color indigo has influenced my exploration of Japanese fiber arts including my current study of traditional kimono embroidery. I am also amazed how patten and motifs do move between cultures. Just as weaving is used in every culture patterns occur as well. Is that pattern a shippo from Japan or an orange peel from Western quilts?

Techniques found in my work include Shibori dying, Western quilt making, hand and machine embroidery, painting, weaving, printmaking, and collage.

My current body of work consists of small 4x4” collages. Each of these are an exploration of color, pattern, scraps, and embroidery can work together.