Artist Statement 

I am an artist, dancer, youth leader, community activator, advocate, craftivist and social change maker living and working in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), Canada.  

I have always had a deep attraction to nature, plants, animals, rocks and water, that stemmed from a young age. I grew up hiking, camping, gardening and spending long days out doors, making forts, exploring the forest and learning about Mother Nature. I have spent years exploring how Mother Nature and her medicines have the capability to heal us physically, emotionally and spiritually, how everything is connected and how communication networks extend beyond humans and animals to plants, trees, and fungi.

My “Vibrant Landscapes” painting series uses vivid colours, textures, patterns and organic forms to create scenes revelling in the untamed natural beauty, rolling hills and wild grasses of our Alberta and BC landscapes. I treat the painting like a celebration, bringing in unnatural colours and festive shapes. I use linework to represent the interconnected “network” between the elements in nature. My paintings often have layers of built up mixed media as I bring in pattern and texture to be reminiscent of layers of vegetation in the forest canopy and floor. The paintings invite you to the celebration and encourage you to remember your own memories of spending time in nature, remembering the emotions and connection you felt. My landscapes are vibrant depictions of my deep love and connection to the land, nature and the Canadian wilderness.

My current “Klara” watercolour series is in memory of my late Nagymama who had a zest and jubilation for life. She loved flowers and would often have vibrant bouquets around the house and planters in the garden. My watercolors tend to be lighter and airier, yet colourful depictions of vegetation, florals and illustrative scenes of daily life. These works also have vibrant colours, brilliant blooms and layers of foliage. They are upbeat, joyous, hopeful and the colours, blooms and line work “dance” around the page, just like Klara did through life.

Art for Social Change

As an intersectional feminist and an advocate for various issues, I am influenced by early feminist and anti-oppressive movements in history using fiber, embroidery and craft to voice their opinions and make social change in their communities. Much of my public work is based around craftivism and I focus on guerilla style art installations, placemaking and site activations. Some of my recent place-making projects are “Village Square Fabric Project,” “Soft Voices” and “Calgary Youth Sketchbook Collection.” Village Square Fabric Project is a two year project where we are working on the themes of connection and disconnection. You can learn more about this on my Fibre Art Project page. Soft Voices encouraged teens to share their voices through a fiber art embroidered installation. CYSC is a community based placemaking project that involved 300 youth from all across the city to collaborate while they were physically distanced. Youth completed and submitted sketchbooks that are now a permanent collection at the Calgary Public Library. I also completed 3 murals, together with youth, in summer 2021 that discussed identity, diversity, courage, bravery, advocacy and community change. I am devoted to making social change in Calgary by fostering community engagement and advocacy in marginalized populations. I am passionate about empowering youth with the opportunity to share their voice and make a difference through visual art, murals, digital art, craftivism and placemaking projects.

Make sure to check out my recent Public Art Projects in my CV. To book me to work with your community group, check out my “Services” page for options or email me for a custom project.