Welcome Autumn
Foil, tissue paper, found images, acrylic paint, glitter, metallic leaf, reflective paper, stickers
12 x 12 inches
2023

Many of my works focus on the natural world. My Habitat series, in particular, takes idealized images from nature calendars and presents them in thin slices to reveal the flora and fauna that are not shown in the pretty pictures. Welcome Autumn started with a photo of a running stream in an autumnal Maine landscape, which I sliced and interspersed with inhabitants not included in the original picture. Families of foxes and owls, as well as migrating fish in a stream, all sourced from nature magazines, repopulate their natural home environment in the Atlantic Northeast.

Monarch Habitat
Foil, tissue paper, calendar image, fennel, milkweed, glitter, flower petals, handmade paper
12 x 12 inches
2023

A dissected image of monarch butterflies roosting en masse in the trees is juxtaposed with the essential elements for their survival: milkweed where the caterpillars build their chrysalises; fennel leaves where they feed; and petals from geraniums, roses, and nasturtiums where the adult monarchs seek nourishment. I have preserved the actual flowers, leaves and seeds to add texture and realism to the image. Then, in a nod to the majesty of these tiny yet powerful creatures, I have embellished the final composition with gold glitter.

Welcome Autumn
Foil, tissue paper, found images, acrylic paint, glitter, metallic leaf, reflective paper, stickers
12 x 12 inches
2023

Through the Trees is an illustration of the natural world, the cycles of life, and the reality that some animals are predators and the others are prey. Challenging the peaceful narrative told in a calendar-perfect photo of trees changing colors in preparation for winter, I present an imaginary landscape in vivid browns and greens, populated by owls seeking dinner and a lone yet confident squirrel regarding them from the safety of his rock. I think he’s got this one.