"Invasive Life" is a concept I am trying to push from paper to fabric. It has grown from my need for a more desirable canvas and more sustainable way of making art. As a printmaker I have experimented endlessly with the monotype process and have pushed paper in ways I never thought possible. Fabric is an unexplored nature; with endless possibilities. Through this process I hope to educate and inspire through wearable art. Since I have moved to Portland I have been surrounded by an eco-friendly movement which has taken over the "American Dream" and created a community of good consumers. As I am thrown into a world with unlimited materials at reach, I have come to find my self resisting the idea of buying new and have found a way to give new life to everyday rubbish.
After living in Portland for the last 6 yrs, I have just recently relocated back to the midwest. I'm looking forward to all the flea markets here as well as some good thrifting & rummaging. I'm looking forward to teaching again and want to teach art to students of all ages; As I am a resource of information and have knowledge of a variety of mediums and printmaking processes. I have had a crafty kick to me since I was little and have been doing a bit of that in an ecofriendly fashion. See shoveldandspade.etsy.com - I have worked as a freelance surface designer in the past, invasivelife.blogspot.com and I had the opportunity to work as an outdoor kindergarten teacher and snowboard instructor on top of all my art teaching in Portland. I have also had the opportunity to intern as a graphic designer at Promowest Productions and as a seamstress at Portland Garment Factory. My constant yearn for change and love for experimentation and nature has carried from my art and craft into my occupation; I love that everyday is different. Go outside and don't forget to dance.