I am currently pursuing an MFA in painting/studio art with an emphasis in digital and emerging media. I am passionate about conservation, climate change, and bringing awareness to the effects of human-induced rapid environmental change. Spending time in nature and spaces that are ‘wild’ is an essential element of being and inspires and restores my creative practice and life.
 

The subject of my current work and research is species native to my home state of Nebraska, focusing on bioindicators of environmental changes. These are plants and animals whose resilience, flourishing, and abundance are the bellwether of the health of an ecosystem or whose presence within an ecosystem holds everything in balance.
 

My work explores the delicate relationship between humans and the environment through symbolism, illustration, and metaphoric social commentary. Depiction of specific animals and plants in my work (such as images of snake plant, prayer plant, or nasturtium, for example) employ unnatural vivid color and detailed scientific illustrations that border on psychedelic, dream-like (or nightmarish) interpretations. It is my desire that these images raise awareness and call attention to the urgent need for a dialogue about environmental awareness and the preservation of existing ecosystems. By intertwining symbolism with vivid visual representations, I hope to thoughtfully inspire reflection on the role we all play as humans coexisting in the natural world and how we shape and influence the future of our planet and the species we share it with.