Artist Statement

I create gouache paintings on recycled wood, capturing natural subjects and their boundless energy. My earliest memories of wonder took place in the forest; every tree provides an eco system full of bugs, birds, and other small animals. In my work I try to capture these elements, examining everything from the tiny caterpillar to the full crown and twisting bark of an oak tree. In each piece, I try to create boundaries that the natural world can’t help but break through. I leave specific parts of the work unpainted to allow the shine of the natural wood surface to play in contrast to the matte finish of my paint. The subjects in each piece break the fabricated edges of the work with their boundless energy, showing how nature finds a way. My hope is that my work helps you feel wonder for the natural world and an appreciation for it’s many, complex creatures.