the stories.
a personal look into my process and the artwork
Each of my pieces has a story behind it. When I first started my work, it was comprised mostly of plastic that washed up on my beloved Stinson Beach, in West Marin. While this is still the case, I now have “collectors” who often “gift” me bags of plastic that they have found on their shores too. I playfully work with this plastic, but my work focuses on the larger issues that grow from how we care or don’t care for our oceans.
On this page, I will primarily share with you the stories behind my work. Most of my portraits are of people I admire, who have taught me about living a more conscientious life, and who have partnered with me to make this world a healthier place: friends, teachers, loved ones, and even mythical beings. Sometimes, I am inspired to break from my self-imposed constraints and share in something that has inspired me or brought me great delight. I hope you will enjoy these small journeys as well.
About my materials
Each of these plastics has its own story and journey, as do the figures in my artwork. Doing a person’s portrait is a huge undertaking, capturing not only their likeness in an unforgiving medium as plastic debris but also their spirit and essence. So, while I collect plastics for each piece, I also collect bits and pieces about my subject. I photograph them, ask them about their lives, and meditate on our conversations. In the bottom layer of my work, I often add a secret note or wish for them, something they will never see but that infuses the piece with life.
