Artist Statement

I grew up outside of Chicago, playing on riverbanks, riding my bike down tree-lined streets, and going to the Field museum. Dioramas of apes and the thrill of being transported to another world instilled a passion for and sincere fascination with nature and art. I also listened to the constant sound of elm trees being cut down to stop the spread of Dutch elm disease. It felt like witnessing death, over and over. I am interested in overlap—of humanity and nature, the potential for loss and the potential for rejuvenation. To look at our planet is to be amazed and touched by wonder for all that exists and all that might stop existing. I am painting about those edges we are all now riding between, the recognition of beauty and the concern of losing it all. Still, we cannot live consumed by fear—I have not found that to be useful. So, I have been drawing from the myriad ways in which love and connection can take shape and pierce the veil of artificiality and loss that is modern life.