Illustration Projects
From page to paint.
Art is a voice, a form of personal expression, and a way to share my perspective and interpretation of the world. My illustrations are segments of my day, of my adventures, deeply influenced by written and musical narratives, and the genesis of new dialogues and conversations with others.
Why books?
The journey! I love watching stories unfold through sketches and collage as I work across a piece of paper. I found early on that a single piece of paper wasn’t sufficient to share the narrative images in my head; the infinitely expansive qualities of a handmade book were the perfect solution.
The Paths of the Past Lead Us Through the Trails of the Present, 2019
7”x11” mixed media interactive book
A mixed media “book in a box” that allows viewers to explore how the past and present of the Elkmont abandoned settlement intersect in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Created as the National Park Service Artist in Residence: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
District, 2018
4”x6” closed, handmade accordion book
Using a map to tell the narrative of a story, this book chronicles a visit to Washington D.C. in the summer of 2017; as the book unfolds, the viewer follows a path through the city, winding and wandering past historical monuments, personal moments and places of reflection, and memorable artworks and artifacts.
The White Album, 2018
5”x6”, handmade french fold book with removable elements/illustrations
Using Joan Didion’s personal essay “The White Album” as a thematic basis, this book explores the concept of a narrative, and the role of the reader as a participant in it. As Didion’s introspective prose depicts a snapshot of her place in the landscape of Los Angeles, each page in this book illustrates a variety of native flora in the region, grounding the text with geographic context.
Raise High the Roofbeams, Carpenters, 2017
5.5”x5.5", handmade book with linoleum block print illustrations
Inspired by the main themes in J.D. Salinger’s short story “Raise High the Roofbeams, Carpenters” the book illustrates the evolution of the character development in of Glass family. Unlike traditional texts, this book is intended to be viewed, or read, in the round, allowing viewers to see all pages at once.
