I grew up around art and antiques. My father was a "picker" -- he searched out antiques and sold them for a living. I search out old objects and incorporate them into new works of art. This has sometimes caused much distress for my father, but isn't that the way?

But I believe in managing my impact on our environment, and so using existing materials to create just makes sense to me. That's why all of my work is produced from found objects and other recycled and natural materials.

I'm inspired by history, storytelling and whimsy -- and by my seaside New England roots -- and hope this is reflected in my work. I also have a streak of New England practicality that means my work extends to up-cycling, recycling and creatively restoring worn, discarded and vintage boxes into functional art. I sand, repair, hand paint, collage and embellish my works with some of my favorite objects like vintage buttons, old maps and sheet music, letterpress block letters, antique pie tins, and old advertising rulers.