All of my work is created from the lens of art therapy. The layers of supplies and meaning emphasize the complexity, fragility, and struggles within human relationships. I make art for and about my own mental health. Through my language of art, I reflect on my own feelings, thoughts, and narratives. I also use art to process the secondary trauma I witness through other’s stories. Sometimes these two blend together and I am sharing a collective experience of the difficulties of humanity within an increasingly unsupported, fragmented society.

Some of this work was born from the stories I hear as an art therapist. I work with clients who have experienced sexual violence, domestic violence, and fundamental breakdowns of connection and support. My art emerges from visualizations I have while reflecting on hearing stories of horrific trauma.

My approach comes from a relational perspective, in my art work as well as my therapy work. The familiar comfort of family and relationship connection with others is something we are genetically hard wired to seek, for our survival as human beings. We gravitate towards the gift of connection like a warm soft blanket ready to embrace us. But what if everything you sought comfort from caused pain? What if relationships were not safe and the traditionally expected roles in life were dangerous? These are a few of the harsh realities I bring to attention through this collection.

 My ultimate goal in my work is to continue creating. Create against the odds, create art work for me, and create as often as possible to get inside feelings outside of myself. The many types of supplies and methods I use help support this goal of constant creation to help combat against the barriers of time, expense, and space.