The Pacific Northwest landscape inspires me. When I moved to Portland in 2003, I was struck by the amount of green spaces within the city. I love exploring the numerous hiking trails, swimming holes, climbing areas, and old-growth forests just outside of town. My love for getting outside informs my creative practice. Trees, rocks, and outdoor spaces are frequent subjects in my work.
Prior to the pandemic, I interacted with many people on a daily basis. I am an art teacher at Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School, and when school buildings closed, my life changed dramatically. I moved a couple times, spent hours alone, and my only interactions with others were through a screen. I went for walks to recenter myself and take breaks from teaching online. During this time of solitude, I started practicing self-portraits, and my love for nature is reflected in these artworks.
I work in ink and watercolor. I love the way the pigment hugs the edge of the waterline and the white space intrigues me. I also experiment with and without drawing in pencil prior to painting. I enjoy the commitment of painting without the guidelines of pencil marks. Something about it feels honest, like I am honoring my first decision when the brush touches the paper.
My work has become more playful as a result of teaching high school students. Seeing their willingness to take creative risks inspires me to do the same. Currently I am working on illustrating a children’s book, which I have never done before. I am excited to return to the classroom in person and embark on something new with my students. Their support and encouragement means the world to me.