Artist Statement

I’m a self-taught artist who tells bite-sized stories with fabric and thread. I use simple stitches on layers of manipulated applique to create dimension and movement.

My figurative stories mostly live in the past and showcase the pluck and strength of American life during the 1930’s-1960’s. Events like the Great Depression, Dust Bowl and Civil Rights Movement revealed both heroes and villains. But I focus on the ordinary folk who lived somewhere in between.

Letters and laundry are recurring favorite themes. Both speak to times when everyday tasks demanded patience and attention. I love the simple beauty of laundry on a line and the familiar rituals of washday.

I also miss the care with which letters were written and read before instant communication became a thing. Writing with pen and paper didn’t allow for easy editing, so words had to be carefully chosen. Recipients had to wait for news and wonder what might have happened since the letter was written.

I leave it to the viewer to imagine what each of my stitched letters has to say. Hopefully they bring good news.

My textile art is hand stitched and pieced using needle-turn applique. I also use watercolor, gouache, pencils and pastels to tint fabric as needed.