As someone who collects a variety of materials and experiments with different processes, I consider myself to be a mixed media artist. I am often inspired by the byproducts of my work during the process of creating a piece. A spark is ignited and I explore the mark-making, layering and compositions that fortuitously happen and develop them further with full intention. I find value in scraps and discarded materials that become repurposed in my collages, sculptures and books. Furthermore, out in the world I collect objects that I am attracted to, whether purely for aesthetic reasons or for the potential I see in the object to be transformed to serve a different purpose. The central idea of my work is the capturing an experience and recording memories to be crystallized a final piece. The final result is an open-ended narrative that challenges the viewer to create a story based on the visual imagery they are receiving, their personal history and the visceral feeling they may experience while viewing. Often, the entirety of the piece cannot be view completely because the symbols, textures and objects are partially concealed or bury deeply into the piece. The tension the viewer may feel contributes to their individual storytelling and the desire to want to know more. The friction of non-closure and mystery is what I hope to create with my art. Another source of inspiration is being an arts educator. My teaching experiences spill over into my personal work and vice versa.