In search of awe and wonder…
After three decades of practice as an architect, I gravitated to mixed-media abstract art as a way to surprise myself in the studio. Understanding materials and methods has been central to my architectural practice, and delving into a broad array of media truly lights me up. I’m especially drawn to materials and processes I can’t fully control, those that will lead me to a place of discovery. My paintings are built up using many layers of acrylic, plaster and collage, sanding, scraping and cutting into them along the way to see what is revealed. I imbue my paintings with texture and memory, often incorporating mementos of beloved people and places, only hints of which are visible in the final work. I am currently obsessed with fiber art, deep diving into weaving and natural dyeing. I’m not sure yet how this will fully surface in my artwork, but textiles are surely influencing my 2023 creative practice.
I am inspired by the continually transforming natural and built world around us, delighted by the sights and sounds that envelop us - my soul is often filled by simply looking up. I contemplate how to capture the majesty of the open sky at dusk, or the weight and history of a crumbling stone wall, in a mashup of mediums that meld into something other-worldly. I am also captivated by organic, lyrical linework and wonky shapes and patterns, which are a breath of fresh air after decades of working within the precise and rigid confines of AutoCAD.
Untethered from codes and budgets, the freedom of mixed-media art-making helps me to explore what’s most important to me: experiencing awe and wonder on a daily basis and finding beauty and joy in the imperfect, unfolding layers of our lives.
“Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness.”
Anni Albers
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
[architecture]
I am pursuing art on a full time basis with personal architectural projects in the works. I am not accepting architectural clients at this time.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions + Events:
"CMYK" - 5 artists, 5 large works tied through color - The Ford Gallery, Portland, OR [Aug 4 - Sep 22, 2023]
"Montage" - 6 artists, multiple works, salon style exhibition - Lolo Pass Gallery, Portland, OR [Sep 1-30, 2023]
Group Exhibitions: "Club V" Exhibition of Women's Art - The Ford Gallery, Portland, OR [Mar 3 - Apr 22,2023] Cascade Aids Project Auction, artwork juried into silent auction - Hyatt Regency, Portland, OR [Apr 1,2023] "Go Big or Go Home" - The Ford Gallery, Portland, OR [Jan 5 - Feb 19, 2023] "CELEBRATE: Emanate Gratitude" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [Nov 1 - Dec 31, 2022] "Portland Open Studios" - Participating Artist [Oct 8,9 + 15,16, 2022] "Start Your Engines" - The Ford Gallery, Portland, OR [Oct 7 - Nov 30, 2022] "SURRENDER: Let Go" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [Sep 1 - Oct 31, 2022] "CHOICE" Exhibition on Artsy - Jen Tough Gallery [Aug 15 - Sep 30, 2022] "RADIATE: Light and Soul" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [Jul 1 - Aug 31, 2022] "CREATE: Nurture Inspiration" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [May 1 - Jun 30, 2022] "CUTLIVATE:: Enrich and Grow" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [Apr 1-30, 2022] "EMERGE: Come Into View" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [Mar 1-31, 2022] "CONNECTION: Kindred Spirits Found" - Chroma Collective Gallery, online [Feb 1-28, 2022] Holiday Show - Columbia Center for the Arts, Hood River, OR [Dec 3, 2021 - Jan 5, 2022] "Small Works Big Show" - Mel's Frame Shop, Portland, OR [Oct 5 - Dec 31, 2021] "Water Stories" - Jen Tough Gallery, Artist Alliance Space (online) [Sep 15 - Oct 30, 2021] "One Day Open Show" - Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts [Jul 31, 2021} "Small World" - Jen Tough Gallery, Artist Alliance Space (online) [Jul 1-31, 2021] "Hope Reigns", Portland Rose Festival Art Show - Oregon Society of Artists [Jun 3-23, 2021] 8th Annual "Living Mark" Exhibition, Juried by Richard Speer - Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland, OR [May 1-31, 2021]
Podcast Interviews:
"Art Unsurfaced” with Joan Collins [Nov 2, 2022]
"Authentic Obsessions" with Margret Petrie [Mar 1, 2022]
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
Thomas Merton