Overstory, Understory: HerStory

I am inspired by a full range of experiences, from my visual observations in nature to poetry; influencing the space within my paintings to be both physical and poetic. My surfaces shift, torque, and vibrate with the energy I feel when I am in the landscape; creating a unique balance of imagery and representation.

As Mary Oliver, American poet, sojourns into the mending powers of nature, she notes, "When I am among the trees…they give off such hints of gladness, I would almost say that they save me, and daily…Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, 'Stay awhile.' The light flows from their branches…and say, 'and you too have come into the world to do this, to be filled with light, and to shine."

To evoke a similar sense of gladness, a momentary glimmering of light, a loose holding of something that hovers between representation and an impression and abstraction is where my work aspires. To loosen the hold on what is seen and allow the memory of the moment to present itself on the painted surface, and, hopefully, dancing off of it.