About Me
My studio is filled with the raw materials for my sculptures—a large collection of driftwood waiting to be transformed into something beautiful. This space is where my passion for art comes alive.
My Journey
I moved to the Pacific Northwest from California over nine years ago. Before shifting to a career in sculpture, I worked in clothing design for much of my life. Today, I’m fully immersed in my artistic endeavors.
I had been carving stones before relocating to Port Townsend. When I arrived, I was drawn to the driftwood I found washed up on local shores. I decided to try carving driftwood, and I was instantly captivated by the material. For over eight years, driftwood has been my medium of choice, but I occasionally work with other materials, such as stone and clay. I have been carving materials for over 15 years in total.
I had been carving stones before relocating to Port Townsend. When I arrived, I was drawn to the driftwood I found washed up on local shores. I decided to try carving driftwood, and I was instantly captivated by the material. For over eight years, driftwood has been my medium of choice, but I occasionally work with other materials, such as stone and clay. I have been carving materials for over 15 years in total.
My Creative Process
When selecting driftwood, I don’t start with a specific theme or idea. Instead, I let the wood guide me.
The condition of the wood can vary, making some pieces more challenging to work with, but I embrace these challenges as part of the creative journey. Sometimes, a piece will sit in my studio for months before it reveals its potential to me. One of my favorite pieces came about after such a moment of re-discovery.
I work in my studio daily, finding solace in my craft while listening to music. I aim to enhance the natural beauty of the driftwood by peeling away its layers to reveal its inner charm.
The condition of the wood can vary, making some pieces more challenging to work with, but I embrace these challenges as part of the creative journey. Sometimes, a piece will sit in my studio for months before it reveals its potential to me. One of my favorite pieces came about after such a moment of re-discovery.
I work in my studio daily, finding solace in my craft while listening to music. I aim to enhance the natural beauty of the driftwood by peeling away its layers to reveal its inner charm.
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.jpeg "A wood sculpture of a woman with a green head")
Artistic Influences
My sculptures are influenced by ancient cultures, which is reflected in their distinct tribal style. My background in clothing design also influences my approach. I think about what I can add to my sculptures, such as found objects, hand-dyed fabric, or paint. In a way, I approach my driftwood sculptures like a designer creating a garment—adding layers of character and texture.
Emotional Impact
I care deeply about the emotional impact of my sculptures. I love it when people form their own interpretations of my work. One of my friends was moved to tears by one of my recent pieces, as it reminded her of herself and her son. Moments like these make my art truly rewarding.
Artists I Look Up To
I admire artists like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Jean-Michel Basquiat for their fearless experimentation and creativity. Their work inspires me to push boundaries in my own art.