Artist Statement

 

Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula nurtured a lifelong connection to the natural world that continues to shape my work today. Whether exploring the forests and shorelines close to home or drawing inspiration from my travels, I am continually captivated by the beauty, character, and quiet moments found in nature.

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Working primarily in alkyd oils, scratchboard, and encaustics, I create paintings inspired by wildlife, horses, landscapes, and nature-inspired still life compositions. Although each subject is unique, they are united by a common thread - a desire to celebrate the textures, light, atmosphere, and stories that invite us to slow down and look more closely. I am often drawn to the quiet, easily overlooked moments in nature - the weathered feather, shifting light. textured bark, or a fleeting reflection - that reveal extraordinary beauty in ordinary subjects.

 

Each medium offers a different voice for expressing that vision. Scratchboard allows me to pursue intricate realism and fine detail, while oils provide rich color, depth, and atmosphere. Encaustic encourages a more intuitive, layered process, creating luminous, ethereal works that explore not only the appearance of the subject but also its mood and essence.

 

My inspiration often begins with a simple discovery: a feather resting on the forest floor, the quiet strength of a horse, a bird perched among treasured vintage objects, or the changing colors of a distant landscape. These discoveries become the starting point for creating work that reflects both the beauty of the natural world and the emotional connections we form with it.

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My hope is that each painting encourages viewers to pause, look more closely, reconnect with nature, and discover a sense of wonder in the places, animals, and quiet details that so often go unnoticed.