Process & Technique

I don't like to be confined to one medium. I love to explore and learn about different materials and techniques for using them. Then, I usually put my own spin on what I've discovered.

The following are some techiques that I use. Not everyone knows the terminology used in the artworld so I thought that I would clarify for you some of the processes and techniques.

Working loose wool or natural fibers such as alpaca, cashmere, angora into a sturdy fabric called felt by agitating the fibers, usually with water and friction. This is a very strong non-woven fabric.

Working loose wool or natural fibers through an existing cloth (usually of a natural fiber such as silk) by agitating the fibers, usually with water and friction. It is sometimes refered to as Laminate Felting. In the process the fibers shrink but the fabric does not creating a puckered effect on the fabric.

My one-of-a-kind shadow box pieces integrate hand painted, new and upcycled fabrics with stitchery, sometimes creating elements with thread alone. Hand made felt, metal, beads, shells and found objects are incorporated to further develop the story of each piece. 

These images are created completely on the computer utilizing software programs that allow the artist to draw, paint and create as if they were working with actual brushes and tools on a two dimensional surface. Many times digital photos or scanned images are incorporated into the artwork. The final image can then be printed.

Utilizing many parts and pieces of similar, or very different materials to create an artistic composition. Collage is working in two dimensions, assembelage in three dimensions.

Many members of the gourd family can be dried until the shell becomes very hard and dense and the interior becomes fiberous. Once the exterior has been cleaned of its mold and dirt film and the inner fibers and seeds have been removed the gourd can be worked on with a variety of techniques such as cutting, carving, staining, painting and adding embellishements of other materials both natural and man-made.