Q: In the show statement for “Surrender” you mention that you are drawn to florals not only aesthetically but also metaphorically because flowers embody the dualities of life. When did floral motifs become a focus in your work and why?

A: Flowers have always been present in my work, but by the end of 2022, they became an obsession. I couldn’t stop thinking about them, and over time, they became my sole subject matter. It was a period of personal and artistic transformation; like flowers, I was experiencing both decay and growth, fragility and resilience.

Q: You seem to be very interested in mark making. For example, in your artist statement you describe being fascinated by observing the contrasting way that your father and daughter hold a writing device and control their penmanship. How does this interest translate to your artistic practice?

A: My work is rooted in my relationship with control. The poke designs are deliberate and precise, built one mark at a time. They bring a sense of certainty, especially in moments of chaos. In contrast, the droopy flowers embrace spontaneity; their colors and forms bleed and bloom unpredictably. These two processes mirror my struggle between holding on and letting go, reminding me that both have a place in creating something beautiful. My work always seems to return to that initial inspiration, the contrast between my father and daughter, just in evolving ways.

Q: Describe what time in the studio is like for you. Do you listen to music? Do you work for long stretches of time or shorter segments?

A: It varies. When the kids are in school or asleep, I can work in longer stretches. But with pokes, I prefer shorter sessions to avoid straining my hand.

When I’m poking, I listen to podcasts. It feels like having a friend in the studio. I laugh, cry, and learn something new, which makes the process even more engaging. When I’m working on my droopy flowers, music is essential. I find it hard to paint without my favorite soundtrack playing.

Q: What direction do you see for your work in the future?

A: I want to explore letting go even further; allowing myself to relinquish all control and seeing where it leads me.

Q: In addition to your floral work you create cut paper collage and abstract paintings. Which medium do you prefer to work with? Do you have a favorite body of work?

A: Right now, I’m taking a break from collage. I want to revisit it in a new way someday, but for now, I’m focused on pokes and more abstracted florals. These are the most personal works I’ve ever created.

Which medium I prefer depends on my mindset. When life feels chaotic and I have no control, pokes are grounding; I know exactly how they’ll turn out. I sketch the design, then it’s just repetitive work, which is soothing. But when I want to release and create freely, I’m obsessed with the droopy flowers. I never know what colors I’ll choose or how they’ll bleed together. It’s exciting, and once I start, it’s hard to stop. I either have to run out of paper or there has to be an emergency to get me out of my studio.