Artist Statement

As an artist, I create fun, expressive work about the parts of the world that are important to me especially wildlife, nature, and the outdoors.

My love of animals and the outdoors is the primary inspiration for my work. I love being outside and am often more comfortable with animals than humans, so I want my work to share with others how being outside makes me feel. I believe that the world would be a better place if people spent more time outside, in the fresh air, around trees and watching squirrels. I may not have the power to make people spend time in nature but I can bring nature to them, and that is what I aspire to do with my art. This work focuses on our local wildlife and outdoor spaces. I wanted to show a portion of nature that is in our neighborhoods, rather than in remote, far away locations. That means plants and animals native to Pennsylvania that people could find in their backyards and at nearby parks. I hope this is work that viewers can see themselves in and will remind them of their own favorite outdoor spaces.

In my art, I try to use bright colors and loose marks to show the fun, unpredictable version of the world I see and the energy I feel when I am there. Being in nature gives me an excited and optimistic feeling so I want my work to share that with others. I hope to create art that celebrates this part of the world and makes others want to spend time there. I like to use a lot of texture in my work because these places are so interesting and complex. I also work in a variety of mediums including chalk, watercolor, gouache, marker, different printmaking mediums, and digital programs.