Artist Statement

My artistic practice centers on my training as a printmaker and embroiderer. The natural repetition in print and stitch feeds my urge to constantly replicate forms and it results in a piece evolving with a degree of unrest. There is a limited certainty in the final product throughout the process, which leaves a piece in the hands of time. I explore the similarities between thread on fabric, pen on paper, underglaze on ceramic, carved linoleum, and stitched beads. In the most recent progression of my portfolio, I deliberately subdue my pallet into binary simplicity which allows me to explore unconventional mediums such as glitter. The material is in stark contrast to the content of my work. A seething biological mass is brought to life by a manufactured reflective garnish.

I am specifically interested in the complex relationship between human beings and nature. The story of a bee hive, an ant hill or how vermin behave around decomposition parallels our own existence. The instinct of these creatures is reflective of a niche behavior in humans. Are we, as humans, that different from a murmuration or swarm when we mob, crowd, or gather? This question is particularly relevant in a modern world. Swarms are superficial chaos, yet the decision of the masses is hardwired anarchy. I have begun to break down conventional appearances of swarms into more abstract representations while still recognizing their complexity. The slow disintegration of form creates pattern and texture which evokes movement through two dimensional media. Printmaking has a penchant for repetition that is reminiscent to a throng of insects persisting across a page. Through the use of traditional techniques and contemporary mark making, I explore the world of swarm phenomena. The swarm draws you in, fascinates, yet disturbs.

CV and Resume

Education

Eastern Michigan University                               September 2010- April 2013
Ypsilanti, Michigan                                    
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, GPA 3.77
    • Teaching Certification K-12
      • Double concentration in Printmaking and Fibers
      • Cumulative GPA of 3.77/4.0, cum laude
      • Attended two graduate classes from 2015-2016: Drawing and Research in Art Education

Professional History

Chelsea High School – Chelsea, Michigan                             2013-present
Art Teacher       
https://chelseaartdept.weebly.com/                   
  • Responsibilities:
  • Designed and Instructed Jewelry, Drawing, Painting, Art and Design, Studio Art and Ceramics
    • Coordinated school-wide special events, community outreach programs, sponsored art students for scholarship opportunities.
    • Coordinated annual student art exhibition at the Washington Street Education Center
    • Participated and won awards in the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Potential Show, YoungArts Competition and the Teen Arts Awards.
    • Organized and directed Art Club, Student Council and Prom

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp- Twin Lake, MI                            Summer from 2012- 2018     Art Teacher
http://www.bluelake.org/  
  • Responsibilities:
  • Taught Ceramics and Fibers classes on Main campus.
    • Clay firing (kiln, pit, and raku)
    • Throwing and Handbuilding
    • Batik
    • Dry and Wet Felting

Ann Arbor Art Center - Ann Arbor, MI                                     2016- 2018    
Art Teacher
https://www.annarborartcenter.org/
  • Responsibilities:
  • Responsibilities:
    • Clay Camps- handbuilding and throwing
    • Adult evening classes in handbuilding ceramics
    • Teen Classes- watercolor, mixed media, and handbuilding ceramics
    • Ran events with painting and ceramics

Exhibitions
2016     Black and White, Riverside Art Gallery, Ypsilanti, Michigan
2015     Solo Exhibit, Dexter Library, Dexter, Michigan
2013     Group Exhibit, Bona Sera Restaurant, Ypsilanti, Michigan
2013     Solo Exhibit, Ollie’s Restaurant, Ypsilanti, Michigan
2013     Solo Undergraduate Show, Student Gallery, Eastern Michigan University
2013     Economics, Ect., Student Gallery, Eastern Michigan University
2012     Undergraduate Juried Show, Ford Gallery, Eastern Michigan University
2012     Art Now: Printmaking, Ann Arbor Art Center Gallery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2012     Detroit Print Exchange, 4731 Gallery, Detroit, Michigan
2012     Printmaking Concentration Show, Student Gallery, Eastern Michigan University
2009     Printmaker, Juried Student Show, ArtLab Gallery, University of Western Ontario
2008     Undergraduate Juried Show, ArtLab Gallery, University of Western Ontario

Press and Publications

Honors and Awards
  • Educational Excellence Award for #WhyYouMatter public art project, 2017
  • Chelsea Education Foundation Grant, 2015
  • Meemic Traditional Grant, 2014
  • Dennis Baggaley Memorial Printmaking Scholarship, 2010
  • Judy Loeb Art Education Scholarship, 2010
  • Dennis Baggaley Memorial Endowment Scholarship, 2012
  • Emil & Juanita Weddige Scholarship, 2012
  • Dean’s List, Eastern Michigan University, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013