I am honored that this piece resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Encaustic Art in Santa Fe, NM, through the Encaustic Art Institute.
"Last year our family raised monarchs for the first time, releasing them onto our land when they eclosed. Witnessing the changes day by day put me in touch with the fragility of their beings and their dependence on the many protective and nurturant conditions necessary for survival. Watching them grow through each delicate stage until ready to become hanging “J's”, form chrysali, and begin their process of emergence was breath-taking, flowing beyond words to complete wonderment, as reflected on my son’s face while two crawled across his hand, resting before their first flight into our fields and out into the world. As we sat in silence—eyes wide and hearts open— we experienced the miracle of their wings taking to open air. This experience brought home in a profound way that our choices matter, and empowers us to find ways to continue to act, big and small.
Creating this piece (out of photographs of the very monarchs we held) to depict not just the beauty, but the destruction of nature that is already happening, began as jolting and deeply disturbing. It put me in touch with a wide range of feelings— helplessness, grief, and anger. But as I continued to fully sink into the work, challenged by the materials and enormity of trying to convey such far-reaching implications through one piece of art, these emotions slowly metamorphosed into enlivening energy that grew. As I strove to convey the scope of global warming with a call to be moved into action, I was acutely aware that this is for not just our children and all generations to come, but for all living beings who are silently dependent on us for the very survival of their environment. May we be moved deeply to heal and protect the gifts of this precious world.”
This piece was purchased by St. Joseph Hospital, Lexington, KY, as part of their Healing Arts Initiative, in which art purchased from local artists is selected for inclusion in the hospital environment. Bringing images that transmit beauty and calm into the space where patients, families and staff work together for healing, provides a sense of respite for weary minds and bodies, and hopefully helps restore a bit of energy needed to continue whatever is being faced. Having worked in medical social work for years, I can attest to the need for this healing energy, and am honored to be included in part of this journey.
photography, private collection
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, Healing Arts Inititiave
This encaustic sculpture was made from a macro photograph of a nautilus shell from a favorite nature preserve. I have always been struck by the beauty of the nautilus shape, and feel like it connects on a primal level for me, drawing me in. Through the creation of the piece, I reflected on how much connection with others is enabled when we let our innermost selves radiate outwardly.
This sculpture was juried into 5th Annual Encaustic/Wax Exhibit at the Encaustic Artists Institute, in Sante Fe, NM, in October 2015, and was purchased by the institute for inclusion in their permanent collection.
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, new mammography unit
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, new mammography unit
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, new mammography unit
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, Healing Arts Initiative
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, new mammography unit
photography, St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, new mammography unit
photography, powdered pigment, St. Joseph Hospital East, Lexington, KY, Healing Arts Initiative
St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, Healing Arts Initiative
photography, private collection
St. Joseph Hospital, Berea, KY, new mammography unit