Bio

My scientific and artistic journey began at a young age.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved being outdoors. I moved frequently growing up, but was always at home in nature. Everywhere I lived, I studied the outside world: spider webs in Hawaii; pinecones, insects, and lizards in North Carolina; pecans and black snakes in the weeds of Alabama; fallen chestnuts and urban art in Berlin; the hushed, soulful, wild marshlands of coastal Georgia; the amazing fall colors, deep winter, and endless waterbirds of Wisconsin; the naturalistic, yet highly designed, gardens of Japan; and all of the birds that visit my small New Jersey garden. Always the first to pick up a feather, stone, shell, leaf, or insect wing or to linger over a temporary display of light, stars, or clouds in the sky, I find wonder and beauty in things often overlooked.

Drawing was something I discovered early and enjoyed. Although I had a natural talent and entered a few competitions, I had limited exposure to formal art or materials (unless you count a yellow pencil, markers, and lined spiral-bound paper). Instead, I grew up around craftwork and learned what it means to create by hand. Combining that with my artistic inclination, I developed an appreciation for beautiful handmade things. My appreciation deepened in Chicago, where Arts & Crafts and Prairie School influences shaped my concept of design in the everyday. Living in Japan expanded that further: I grew to better appreciate artful simplicity, intentional two-dimensionality, negative space, and slow rituals. There, I was exposed to the most incredible pottery, textiles, and paper items, but what shaped me most was the elevation of humble objects alongside fine gilded or lacquered pieces. I documented a lot of this through photography. In the early days of digital cameras, I took one everywhere. Photography became a way to explore and better understand what spoke to me. I continue to use it this way today.

I studied biology, chemistry, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical sciences academically, but have always expressed myself visually and leveraged that capability professionally. Along the way, I experimented with pastels and still use them on occasion today. However, life eventually became extremely full with work and responsibility, leaving little time for artistic interests. After becoming a parent, I picked up watercolor as a way to spend time with and entertain my young kids. I chose it because it’s accessible, non-toxic, and easy to clean up and store, but I found it be completely captivating. I was amazed by and inspired by its colors and range. I often use textured watercolor to embellish representational work and bring depth to abstracts. It feels right for me. I love the ritual of setting up, mixing pigments, and caring for my brushes. Still, I’ve never abandoned drawing and continue to go back it.

These days, I combine all of these things — scientific observation, love of nature, elevation of simple subjects, appreciation for the handmade, and artistic flexibility — into the work you see here.

Although I’m still finding my way, I’m excited to begin sharing my art more broadly. I hope you enjoy what you find on this site. I aim to one day have more time to create, participate in local shows, and offer prints, originals, and art-inspired goods in local markets and online.

Until then, please check out my portfolio and blog, and feel free to reach out using the contact form. I can’t promise a quick reply, but I’ll do my best. Lastly, please have patience while I set up the site and blog in my very-limited free time. Thank you again for stopping by.