In my visual work, I’m interested in patterns both natural and artificial, and in the ways that people express their feelings about plants, animals, and the elements by making stylized representations of them. When I make an animal or plant out of a pattern made up of other animals, plants, or landscapes, I’m often thinking about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth—how a dying flower or leaf in the forest, for example, ends up becoming part of the earth and nourishing a tree. This is especially true in pieces like “Dreams of the Sugar Maple” and “Portrait of My Father.” I draw animals and plants from photographs and I make my work from non-toxic or least-toxic and recycled materials whenever possible. I often show my work at the beautiful Bleeding Hearts Studio in northeast Minneapolis.
My current obsession in painting is animal “portraits” surrounded by a wreath of leaves or flowers. These are inspired primarily by medieval tapestries. I’m also drawn to silhouettes, maybe because of my love of cave paintings, which I find incredibly moving. As for my collage work, I was first inspired to make work with cut paper when I saw the work of the exquisite artist Xin Song when we were at a residency together at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown in 2008. I was working on a novel and poetry while I was there. Being around visual artists made me realize I wanted making art to be part of my creative life as well.
Please contact me if you’re interested in purchasing a piece or would like more information about it. You can pick up work in person if you’re in the Twin Cities area, and I’m also glad to ship pieces to you (shipping and handling costs are not included in the prices below).
I also take commissions. I’m especially interested in working with materials that have a special significance to you and which you’d like to preserve—fabric when feasible, for example, or wallpaper scraps from a treasured room. I also enjoy honoring people by depicting their favorite animal with a favorite or symbolic plant, tree, or flower. Please contact me if you’re interested and we can start a conversation about possibilities.
In August 2023, I'm participating in the 2nd annual WINGSPAN fundraiser and virtual silent auction benefiting the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund. You can bid on two of the pieces pictured below ("Two Moths, Gray and Pink" and "One Moth, Pink and Green"), as well as pieces by other Minnesota artists, to support funding and resources for Minnesota K-12 teachers for pollinator gardens and pollinator programming. On August 24, there will also be a fundraiser event and gallery show at Sociable Cider Werks from 4 to 8 pm. $15 tickets are optional and include a $10 donation to the School Pollinator Fund as well as a beverage (cider, beer, and non-alcoholic switchels available). Food from the fabulous Unidos food truck will be available for purchase. You can find more details here!
Thanks so much for your interest in my work!
Paintings
collage works
Collage
![Goat with Blue Flowers. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and matte medium on canvas. 11 1/2” x 11 1/2”. 2023. $75](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/e221f71d8bdb9a887cbbce4f4164cbd388598d0a/original/goat-with-blue-flowers.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Goat with Blue Flowers. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and matte medium on canvas. 11 1/2” x 11 1/2”. 2023. $75
![The Bulls in Van Gogh's Garden. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard. 19 1/2" x 27" in gold frame behind glass (in this image, the glass caused a slight glare on the bull on the left). 2023. $150](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/e0898ba536d2c8f35a72b507d5743c37916b17f9/original/the-bulls-in-van-goghs-garden.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
The Bulls in Van Gogh's Garden. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard. 19 1/2" x 27" in gold frame behind glass (in this image, the glass caused a slight glare on the bull on the left). 2023. $150
![Black Ash in Yellow, Purple, and Green. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in black frame, behind glass. 11 1/2" x 13 1/2" in frame. 2023. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/a8d12f9893d681a26c222ce57f6976da0bd4becb/original/green-and-yellow-leaf-long-serrated-edge-in-black-frame-2.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Black Ash in Yellow, Purple, and Green. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in black frame, behind glass. 11 1/2" x 13 1/2" in frame. 2023. $45
![Dreams of the Sugar Maple. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in black frame, behind glass. 11 1/2" x 13 1/2". 2023. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/570223636dde1ee30a14b235fa8f855f8de10168/original/green-and-yellow-maple-leaf-in-black-frame.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Dreams of the Sugar Maple. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in black frame, behind glass. 11 1/2" x 13 1/2". 2023. $45
![Two Bunnies in Green and Gold. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in black frame, behind glass. 11 1/2" x 13 1/2" in frame. 2023. SOLD](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/689d2d50b212f6ec7d4c85c0e5a7605618bcfcab/original/two-green-and-yellow-bunnies-in-black-frame.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Two Bunnies in Green and Gold. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in black frame, behind glass. 11 1/2" x 13 1/2" in frame. 2023. SOLD
![Warbler in Yellow, Purple, and Green. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in brown frame. 10 1/2" x 12 1/4" in frame. 2023. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/64508b8261a9287506c9c2a2ae360eda7826f1bf/original/warbler-in-yellow-purple-and-green-2.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Warbler in Yellow, Purple, and Green. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in brown frame. 10 1/2" x 12 1/4" in frame. 2023. $45
![The Cat in Van Gogh’s Library. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on canvas. 14" x 18". 2023. $75](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/372cae06e1183ae994a97f0e056c7e0857819cd0/original/red-cat-on-van-gogh-book-print.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
The Cat in Van Gogh’s Library. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on canvas. 14" x 18". 2023. $75
![Face-to-Face. Wallpaper samples and non-toxic glue on matboard. 10" x 12" in white frame, behind glass. 2023. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/6a3c4f594ff6a40b7a59a51c23513feda727411e/original/two-facing-bunnies.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Face-to-Face. Wallpaper samples and non-toxic glue on matboard. 10" x 12" in white frame, behind glass. 2023. $45
![Bluebirds in Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. Wallpaper samples and matte medium on canvas. 12" x 15 1/2". 2023. $100](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/4ddba1847fec48ed0ab7434d295095b7d158d79e/original/bluebirds-in-van-goghs-almond-blossoms.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Bluebirds in Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. Wallpaper samples and matte medium on canvas. 12" x 15 1/2". 2023. $100
![The Night, the Bloom, The Sphinx. Acrylics, wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on canvas. 2022. Donated to the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund 2022 Fundraiser.](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/56d129c11ee4e5abffbe3fe14105e05539e2b9d8/original/the-night-the-bloom-the-sphinx.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
The Night, the Bloom, The Sphinx. Acrylics, wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on canvas. 2022. Donated to the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund 2022 Fundraiser.
![One Moth, Pink and Green. Wallpaper samples and non-toxic glue on matboard in white frame, behind glass. 10" x 12" in frame. 2023. Donated to the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund 2023 Fundraiser. Available for bidding starting August 2, 2023. See details above.](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/9b1269a0774390b0355da9799ff4f903464f74fa/original/one-pink-and-green-moth-in-white-frame-4.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
One Moth, Pink and Green. Wallpaper samples and non-toxic glue on matboard in white frame, behind glass. 10" x 12" in frame. 2023. Donated to the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund 2023 Fundraiser. Available for bidding starting August 2, 2023. See details above.
![Two Moths, Gray and Pink. Wallpaper samples and non-toxic glue on matboard in white frame, behind glass. 10" x 12" in frame. 2023. Donated to the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund 2023 Fundraiser. Available for bidding starting August 2, 2023. See details above.](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/f520e0b69bda802bf93f648a1e2229eb7632d812/original/gray-moth-pink-moth-in-white-frame-8.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Two Moths, Gray and Pink. Wallpaper samples and non-toxic glue on matboard in white frame, behind glass. 10" x 12" in frame. 2023. Donated to the Melinda Vaughn School Pollinator Fund 2023 Fundraiser. Available for bidding starting August 2, 2023. See details above.
![Two Gray Moths in Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. Wallpaper samples and matte medium on canvas. 8" x 10". 2023. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/80d9c2f5993b5312157eae5675ca0f3036d8921f/original/two-gray-moths-in-van-goghs-almond-blossoms.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Two Gray Moths in Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. Wallpaper samples and matte medium on canvas. 8" x 10". 2023. $45
![Two Mice in Blue, Orange, and Green. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in blue frame. 9 1/4" x 11 1/4" in frame. 2023. $40](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/ffa900cf8918bb79bbb5d217e544240645c2c3ef/original/two-mice-in-blue-frame.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Two Mice in Blue, Orange, and Green. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on matboard in blue frame. 9 1/4" x 11 1/4" in frame. 2023. $40
![Bunny, Black & Gold. Fabric samples and non-toxic glue on hardboard. 9 1/2" x 12 1/2" in black wood frame. 2019. $60](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/7417cfb218977d6c8262f7276f332d0c5449c26f/original/bunny-black-gold.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Bunny, Black & Gold. Fabric samples and non-toxic glue on hardboard. 9 1/2" x 12 1/2" in black wood frame. 2019. $60
![Star Bunnies. Acrylics, calendar clippings, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard in brown wood frame. 10 3/4" x 12 3/4" in frame. 2023. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/94530a7383abcdf12e8b8cf89135edf880c059c5/original/at-the-cafe-two-bunnies-brown-frame.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Star Bunnies. Acrylics, calendar clippings, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard in brown wood frame. 10 3/4" x 12 3/4" in frame. 2023. $45
![Warbler in yellow and blue. Acrylics, calendar clippings, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard in brown wood frame. 7 3/4" x 9 3/4" in frame. 2023. $30](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/beaee4042aa4d2bfd6b4da758817332f79ef7e36/original/warbler-in-yellow-and-blue.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Warbler in yellow and blue. Acrylics, calendar clippings, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard in brown wood frame. 7 3/4" x 9 3/4" in frame. 2023. $30
![Red Bird in Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard in brown wood frame. 13 1/2" x 16 1/2" in frame. 2021. $45](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/94c55dc0d1c014ae4ddec9ddbcd45e5cbdd838da/original/red-bird-on-blue-in-brown-frame.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Red Bird in Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. Wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard in brown wood frame. 13 1/2" x 16 1/2" in frame. 2021. $45
![Orange Goat. From a photo by Ken Conway. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on cardboard in black frame. 2019. SOLD](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/0b8fe228462a66c1880e8ceea752de2239367991/original/orange-goat.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Orange Goat. From a photo by Ken Conway. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on cardboard in black frame. 2019. SOLD
![Orange Fox. Based on a photo by Eric Struve. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on cardboard. SOLD.](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/b4da499621a80302fd3643a47343cef0aa45e6af/original/orange-fox-in-black-frame.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Orange Fox. Based on a photo by Eric Struve. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on cardboard. SOLD.
![Goat Going Right. Acrylics, wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on repurposed canvas. 16 1/4” x 8 1/4”. 2023. $50](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/6b50d2204b30dfeff2cc956b6a784f3c8221367f/original/goat-going-right-2nd.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Goat Going Right. Acrylics, wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on repurposed canvas. 16 1/4” x 8 1/4”. 2023. $50
![Goat Going Left. Acrylics, wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on repurposed canvas. 16 1/4” x 8 1/4”. 2023. $50](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/27bd20a2ed35933e52c2391aea7906892b5da686/original/goat-going-left-third.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Goat Going Left. Acrylics, wallpaper samples, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on repurposed canvas. 16 1/4” x 8 1/4”. 2023. $50
![Portrait of My Father #2. Wallpaper samples, calendar clippings, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard. 16" x 20" in frame. 2021. SOLD](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/c2ce974868a6993e56e9e7942764495aeaa5ece7/original/portrait-of-my-father-2.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Portrait of My Father #2. Wallpaper samples, calendar clippings, non-toxic glue, and gloss varnish on hardboard. 16" x 20" in frame. 2021. SOLD
![Miami Vice Fox. From a photo by Eric Struve. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on cardboard in black frame, behind glass. 7 1/4" x 9 1/4" in frame. 2019. $20](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/395132/2637e6827ff7b59852560cc028235c969ad6dec0/original/miami-vice-fox.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsIjM1MHciXV0%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg)
Miami Vice Fox. From a photo by Eric Struve. Calendar clippings and non-toxic glue on cardboard in black frame, behind glass. 7 1/4" x 9 1/4" in frame. 2019. $20