It started with handcrafts—as a young girl my mother and grandmother introduced me to embroidery, knitting and beading. Even as I studied graphic design in college, and worked for many years as a graphic designer, I continued to work with fiber. My interest evolved from weaving to papermaking and ultimately knotting. 

 

There is nothing like the tactile feel of the threads, as well as the rhythm of making knot after knot, until my shape takes form. I incorporate beading to add luster and texture, which allows me a multitude of possibilities in surface embellishment.

 

My inspirations range from the amazing colors found in nature to the beaded detail work on a magnificent couture evening gown. On the most personal level, knotting gives me a chance to immerse myself in a very peaceful, private meditative process that allows me to create simple, elegant forms with bold, striking colors.

 

With my paper pieces, I am exploring collage by combining India ink on watercolor paper, pastels and embroidery, and then cutting/tearing and layering them for a 3-dimensional effect.

 

For my newest work, I am choosing images from the 1000’s of photographs I have taken over the years-of flowers, landscapes, sunsets and natural beauty. I then transfer the images onto linen or cotton fabric and embroider the image using DMC embroidery thread.