Artist Statement
As a multidisciplinary artist, my work spans across painting, bookbinding, collage, and public art, all aimed at delving into complex community-based issues. Through my art, I seek to create meaningful engagement within communities by providing accessible avenues into visual language. Each piece I create is a catalyst for deep exploration, fostering conversations and prompting reflections on topics that are often challenging yet crucial to address. My goal is to not only spark dialogue but also to inspire collective action and empathy, using art as a powerful tool for social change and community cohesion.
Born out of a passion for visual expression, my artistic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Minnesota in 1999. During my undergraduate years, I immersed myself in the study of Architecture, an influence that continues to resonate throughout my artistic practice, despite it not becoming my primary profession.
After graduation, I initially explored sculpture and bookbinding as my primary mediums, each contributing to my evolving artistic voice. As life unfolded and I raised three children, painting gradually became a central focus of my creative exploration. This transition marked a significant period of growth, where the demands of parenthood intertwined with my artistic development, enriching my perspective and approach.
In 2017, I furthered my education with a Masters of Professional Studies in Arts & Cultural Leadership from the University of Minnesota, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of the intersection between art and community engagement. This academic pursuit complemented my hands-on experience, equipping me with the tools to explore and address complex community-based issues through my art.
Today, my practice embraces a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating painting, bookbinding, collage, and public art. Each artwork serves as a vehicle for dialogue, inviting communities to engage in critical conversations and reflections on topics that resonate deeply within our collective experience. Through accessible visual language and thoughtful exploration, I strive to foster connection, empathy, and social change, empowering individuals to see and interpret the world anew through the lens of art.
TRUNKS
Community Bench (2015) Little Falls, Minnesota
Stainless Steel and Fallen Ash Stumps
Sartell Papermill Project
(2013-2014) Multi Sculpture project commemorating the Sartell Paper Mill, Sartell, Minnesota
Repurposed materials from fallen mill
Dino Project
(2020) Staples, Minnesota
Wayfinding Collaboration with Lakewood Health Systems
COLLAGE