with Susan Bloye
Exhibition runs from September 7 – November 7, 2018
As I walk in this world and cycle through the seasons I am brought to a sense of wholeness with all of life. As I breathe in awareness in the natural world I find inspiration for living in the sacred complexities, balanced creative ecosystems and abundantly nourishing vitality. Being in nature has always brought me to a calm, centered place.
My artwork is an extension of my love for nature. It is also an expression of play through seeking flow and balance with the natural elements. Whether I am out for a walk, running my household, dancing my Tai Chi form or creating artwork, I am observing and seeking this flow. Through both my use of medium and subject matter I celebrate the vitality I find in the natural world. I strive to allow the medium, whether it is watercolor, fiber art or acrylic paint to express this energy. Some of the techniques I play with to encourage this natural flow to emerge are imprinting plant material textures into the paint, pouring pigment to allow atmospheric qualities to manifest and dribbling paint to create natural line and shape. Making a felted piece involves physically agitating the dyed wool using its natural propensity to felt into itself. I have enjoyed playing with this medium, creating what I call felted paintings.
I grew up in urban southeast Michigan, enjoying pleasant vacation time romping in nature on the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes. I did my formal art training at the University of Michigan. My husband and I raised our children in rural Washtenaw County where I spent many hours interacting with nature through my gardening. Recently my husband and I relocated to the NW Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the Chain of Lakes Region near Traverse City. I am enjoying seeing awe inspiring scenes come into view as I navigate the rolling topography along with watching the constantly shifting atmospheric play of light and shadow. I look forward to allowing this beauty that surrounds me to further influence my future artwork.