Artist Statement

My work delves into sensory experiences. I do this by combining physical traditional mediums, such as acrylic, gauche, printmaking, graphite, charcoal, graphite, and ink with technological engineering. My primary body of work is experimental storytelling with influences from ecological and biological roots.

I have a ton of BODACIOUS experiences teaching and guiding in the backcountry as well as my work in the environmental science field. I have spent days crawling through mud, dirt, snow and taking running leaps into bodies of water. I am medically trained as a wilderness first responder and honestly might be considered a little bit of an adrenaline junky. I have seen people at their very best and at their very worst. My work space is constantly filled with loose camping gear and friends trying to steal me away for side quests. I try to capture the animated nature of humor and fear when sharing stories outdoors around a campfire. I embrace the kooky characters and joy filled nonsense that bring stories together and, thus why I experiment with mixed media.

I am an unapologetic goof that designs and draws from the natural world. Grabbing all the abiotic, biotic and human passion within exhibits and illustration. My BFA will focus on the concept of decomposition and how we experience it. In my exploration of “whale fall” and oceanic decomposers I plan to explore the uncanny and uncomfortable idea of decomposing and conversions of energy in a visual way. Using Scientific Illustration influences I plan to make exhibits for the Charleston Marine Life Center that help educate in accessible fashions and explore the concept of decomposers, who have much been overlooked and intentionally ignored. Studying at the University of Oregon and working on a BFA thesis and a scientific degree, I aspire to create educational opportunities as well as create experiences accessible for all audiences within my work.