I aim to reveal nature’s beauty in new ways. I capture a moment in the life of natural objects and transform them into a state of impermanence through fiber and wall art. This unique form of art results in one-of-a-kind, original pieces. The materials intermingled in my art include (a) natural fibers (silk, cotton, watercolor paper), (b) plant-based dyes, and (c) leaves and flowers that thrive in Southern California. I aim to use as little water as possible when making these pieces and return used water back to the earth, thus completing the cycle of nature.
Thus far, my work can be categorized into categories of (a) eco-fibers, which imprint the images of real leaves onto non-dyed or dyed silk using plant-based dyes, (b) eco-prints, which imprint real leaves and flowers onto watercolor paper of varying sizes, (c) assemblages, which show interesting ways of representing eco-prints, and (d) 3D eco-forms, which thus far, involve found and painted desiccated cactus skeletons. These skeletons intricately reveal the “inner workings” of the resilient cactus.
Eco-Fibers
I use 100% charmeuse silk scarves and “print” natural materials onto them. Charmeuse is the “Cadillac” of silks, known for its softness, drapability, and style. Some scarves are also hand-dyed using plant-based dyes.
Eco-Prints
I also “print” flowers and plants on watercolor paper. Depending on the process used to create them, these prints vary from providing dreamy and earthy pieces that resemble watercolor paintings, to finely imprinted pieces that capture the detail of nature in all its glory.
Assemblages
I sometimes assemble eco-prints in ways that create interesting and unique pieces. Just like eco-prints, these pieces can also be framed.
Eco-Forms
I also find beauty in cactus skeletons, given their complex, interwoven skeletal system. I hand paint these pieces and mount them in velvet-lined shadow boxes. Each piece is designed to reveal the delicacy and intricacy of these marvels of nature.
Visit the Wilding Museum of Art and Nature to see additional pieces in person.