When did you realize art was an integral part of your life?? What do you feel is crucial to your growth as an artist?

Art has always been my therapy. I understand the world through making. Visual art is my language and foundation of communication. Art makes me a better person. In my experience as a mother, there is no time for oneself, unless you make that time a priority. My husband gave me the best advice as I was juggling going to grad school, teaching, and caring for my three young children, which was “do art first

How do you thematically plan a piece of work? What are the steps involved (ie. finding materials, research) and Where do these fascinating ideas come from? 

My work starts with a story, a traditional folktale or fable, or a contemporary poem or memorable phrase. The work itself is driven by the images that these stories evoke, and is propelled further by every brush-stroke, mark making, blade cut, and gesture laid down in the aftermath. The stories and myths of a culture convey a sense of place, and a sense of the people who inhabit that place. In this way, visual art that interacts with story enters a narrative sphere where it must encounter the local.

My recent work has focused on family lore, stories about women named in the Old Testament, and stories from Missouri, USA. As a stranger to the Midwest, and specifically to rural Missouri in the United States, I have sought to understand my host culture and environment for the decade I have lived here through exploring the folklore, music, and stories of the Ozarks.

What attracted you to use paper as a medium in creation? 

I fell in love with paper during my time spent in during an artist residency at Studio Kura, Fukuoka, Japan.

At the time I was studying stories from the Shinto religion. This religion, from which all true Japanese mythology springs, accepts that every natural thing, be it man, a volcano, or plum tree, has a kami or spirit.  Kami has been translated as a soul, a spirit, and a deity. Another possible translation of the word is “beings placed higher.” Kami, in other words inhibits nature.  Kami can also be translated as paper. These discoveries made me want to explore and use paper as my main medium.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I am a multi-media artist who creates with images and symbols drawn from narrative.

To what extent has your everyday life as an artist changed during pandemics? You lost your studio. How different is the feeling to create at home?

When I was teaching, I had a guest artist come and speak to my one of my classes. When she was asked how she became a successful artist, her answer was that she had to change her definition of success.

As an artist during this time, I have had to adjust my expectations for myself. I also have had to rethink what my definition of success is. For now, my definition of success is to see my children grow up and to be able to make art everyday. I am privileged to be able to create during this time.

How do you feel about being involved in an online residency program? How important is to stay connected with the international art community?

An online artist residency has been important not only for the connection it provides to other artists and art communities but as a mother, and someone who would not be able to travel for a month away from my family, it has given me an opportunity which I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

What are your thoughts about the theme ‘artist on standby’? Tell us a bit more about your project…

My general art process involves research and planning, This past year much of my work has been focused on a series about women named in the Old Testament. However, this series has been devoid of color and play. I have been waiting for levity, lightness, and laughter.

The project that I am working on now addresses this void. I dedicate one hour each day to discovery, play, and chance, allowing my subconscious and hand to dictate the work. The result is a large-scale painting and drawing, fill with color and light.

What do you want to achieve before things return to normal?

I would like to come away from this time more capable, having learned more skills in art making and have a larger international artist community.

Any future plans/projects?

I do hope that this one-hour of play will continue and that I will make a number of works, which will have found their roots during this time in this online residency.