My earliest memorable constructions involved fabrics. In my eyes, cloth itself was a work of art and I began making my own clothing as soon as I could use the required tools. I was proud to create with cloth in the manner of my mother and grandmothers. This tradition inspired me to continue my art practice in the Fiber Arts.
The materials I select for a work are important to setting the correct tone. Although many of my works are made with traditional natural materials or purchased cloth, I now incorporate many items that have had a previous commercial life; usually repurposed clothing or other thrift store goods. I enjoy coaxing something new from materials that already have defined boundaries of space or time. I strive to take these materials in an unforeseen direction spawning new life. Through my art practice, I continually test my assertion that all perceived boundaries are permeable on some level. Common themes in my body of work. I was taught that I am a small piece of a much bigger spirit. The Earth is a gift we were placed within not placed upon. It is my duty to be mindful of my interactions with all entities of the water, earth and air. Rocks, plants, animals, fishes, reptiles, birds, insects, and human beings are all uniquely important components required to foster a healthy planet. Our world has a natural balance and order which we must work to restore. Much of my work deals with ecology and consumerism. I also believe that I was born to experience fully a path which was laid before my birth. My life has been a journey I never imagined. In fact, I had very different plans. That is not uncommon, but my journey is worth noting because I had the privilege of being nurtured by strong and loving people from two different cultures. My mother is a Spokane Indian Tribal member. My father was an American whose early ancestors emigrated from French speaking Canada to the Pacific Northwest with the Hudson Bay Company as early as 1825. These ancestral influences inspired my journey through life and have given me many reasons to question the teachings of my formal education. Continuing questions spill into my art and I strive to present both my affirmed beliefs and quandaries along the way. I don’t expect to find answers through the creation of my art. My intention is to communicate the complexity that surrounds the problems I see and to spark conversations. In my experience the best solutions to big problems come from the united efforts of many hearts and minds. |