Artist statement
I am a lighting designer, sculptor and fiber artist. With a background in Costume Tech and textile arts, my practice is rooted in material exploration and the relationship between process and form. My main focus is on an innovative adaptation of traditional Japanese Shibori—evolving it from a flat textile dyeing method into a rigid, structural medium.
My work explores themes of light and shadow, strength, experimentation, fantasy, spirituality, automatism, and transcendence. My practice offers a way-both for myself and for others—to find joy in the midst of loss, and light within darkness. Often described as having a heartbeat, my sculptures are conceived as ethereal beings rather than static objects.
Rooted in a lineage of Appalachian makers, I hold a deep appreciation for labor, material, fortitude, and handiwork. Through repetition and compression, I create inherently curled and pleated textiles that are shaped into compelling forms. Embracing imperfection, uncertainty, and the relinquishing of control, I work in tandem with my materials
I am drawn to Shibori's mimicry of universal patterns found in nature, reflecting the interconnectedness we all share. Drawing on my knowledge of traditional dyeing, I re-imagine these techniques into a dimensional practice encompassing lighting, wall works, and sculpture. My aim is not on creating recognizable patterns, but on embodying intention and abstraction.
I am currently working in white canvas, concentrating on form. As my practice evolves, I will reintroduce color and varied textiles, informed by my extensive material knowledge.