Statement

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In my images, I use botanicals as metaphors for personal experiences:  vanitas compositions that reference the fleeting nature of time, toxic plants that stand in for poisonous relationships and glorious blooms that reflect moments of exquisite joy.  

 

My work explores the interplay between modern technologies and art history. All images are styled using natural window light and inspiration from traditional Dutch still life paintings.

 

The Fatal Flora series relates to toxic relationships and uses plants that can be medicinal or poisonous as symbols of the contradictions within human connections.  

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These complex plants have been used by women for centuries for sustenance, healing and possibly poisoning and witchcraft. I believe that botanicals can be used as metaphors for the natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth as well as the complexity and duality of experiences in life that can be part healing and part toxic. 

 

In growing and handling these dangerous plants throughout their growth cycles, I am studying their seductive beauty as well as taming and controlling their deadly potential.

 

Support for this project was provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Generous access was granted for an artist residency at the Alnwick Castle Poison Garden in Northumberland, England.  Works from this project were shown in solo museum exhibitions in Iowa at the Dubuque Museum of Art and at the Sioux City Art Center where two images were purchased for that museum's permanent collection.