Processing My Process

My artwork begins with transforming raw materials into vibrant colors. It is rooted in experimentation and play. Here's a glimpse into the creative process that brings my work to life.

Creating natural inks is an intentional process that blends art with nature. I begin by gathering a variety of natural materials, such as foraged plants during a hike, vegetable scraps, or items from the gardens of friends.

I use multiple methods to extract pigment from the materials, including simmering them in water or mashing them in a bowl with water. White vinegar, soda ash, or alum might be added to set the color, enhance the vibrancy of the ink, or make it more resistant to light. The resulting liquid forms the base of the ink, which can vary in color and intensity depending on the source. Once bottled, gum arabic is added to some inks to thicken them. Wintergreen essential oil or whole cloves are also included to prevent mold.

This process transforms the natural materials into vibrant, expressive inks that are the foundation of my art. I invite you to explore the depth and unique stories these natural inks bring to each piece.

Research & Inspiration

The pigments on paper, or soaked into fabric or thread, are not merely colors arranged based on color theory or preference. The meanings behind the plants and materials I collect are infused into the work. Drawing from traditions like the “Language of Flowers” and other symbolic systems, I explore how various cultures and histories assign meaning to plants. I keep a log to track the name of the plant, the date I create the ink, and the multiple symbols of each flower, berry, plant, or other material (such as ash or rocks).

As I select music to accompany my painting process, I revisit my log to align the colors and emotions of my work with the deeper meanings of both the music and the inks, creating harmony between sound and color.

Sonic Experience

Selecting music for each painting is an integral part of my creative process. I often draw from my love of 80’s synth-pop and New Wave, or contemporary songs that resonate with my current emotions, desires, and circumstances. Sometimes, I opt for ambient music or instrumental beats without lyrics, allowing me to project my own feelings and meaning onto the music.

The music sets the tone for my work, guiding the creation of a color palette that aligns with the lyrics or the mood of the piece. I listen to a chosen song on repeat throughout the entire process of painting, embroidering, and mark-making. This repetitive immersion can sometimes induce a trance-like state, where I become deeply connected with the song, the plants, the paper, and myself. As I drop ink onto the paper and watch it blend and flow, the music helps me stay present, allowing me to process more than just the final outcome on paper.

A sample of songs that have inspired my work

  • “Only You” - Yaz

  • “The Killing Moon” - Echo and the Bunnymen

  • “This is the Day” - The The

  • “Because the Night” - Patti Smith

  • “Northern Sky” - Nick Drake

  • All Through the Night - Cyndi Lauper

Mixed Media

My work combines various techniques and materials to convey layered meanings and emotions. I often incorporate mark-making into my pieces, using lines and repetitive shapes to represent elements like rivers, mountains, or trees. These marks can also symbolize the emotional space between two people—whether near, far, or uncertain. The shapes themselves hold significant symbolism; for example, a circle may represent wholeness or eternity, while a broken circle might suggest a loss of wholeness. A rectangle could symbolize stability or conformity, while spirals often signify evolution or rebirth.

I also integrate embroidery into some of my paintings, using threads dyed with my handmade inks. Needlework has been a part of my life since childhood, though it was a source of frustration when I was young. As an adult, I've reclaimed this practice, bringing with it a sense of meticulousness that was instilled in me by my mother. The backs of my work are as clean as the side you see. This attention to detail, for better or worse, is a part of who I am, and it’s reflected in the intricate embroidery that adds texture and depth to my art.

Change over time

Natural inks have a life of their own, evolving with time. Unlike synthetic dyes, these pigments are made from organic materials—plants, berries, tree bark, and more—so they continue to interact with the world around them. Exposure to light, air, and other elements can cause the colors to shift or fade, revealing a new chapter in their story. While I add fixatives to help maintain their vibrancy, I embrace the natural aging process as part of the art. Each piece lives and breathes, and its transformation over time is a beautiful reminder that change is the only constant.

This is only the beginning..

While my creative process is deeply personal, it is only the beginning of the journey for each piece. The true magic happens when you, the viewer, engage with the art and make it your own. I encourage you to bring your own experiences, emotions, and imagination to the colors, shapes, and textures you see.

Each creation offers a new opportunity for discovery and connection, where the meaning is shaped not just by my hands, but by your unique perspective. Dive in and see where the art takes you—your interpretation keeps this creative journey alive