I am obsessed with the nest building, talented birds of this world and feel strongly that they should be honored for their ingenuity. My work is a small way of moving them into the limelight so they can be cherished and to bring the beauty of their individuality to an interior.

My paintings explore the intricate soft and quiet details of “Natures Architects” of the natural world. Defining shapes and structures with depth and the unconventional use of vegetable and basic household brushes as well as traditional painting tools. My pieces strive to communicate the sophisticated structures built by the Weaver Birds of the Old World, Sub-Saharan Africa.

The blending of fine art and organic craftsmanship, using locally sourced wood panels as a living foundation for my paintings, I want to work with the material and not cover it up. I can then plan my subjects around the natural grain and flaws as desired. I embrace the knots and let the wood tell its history as inclusion. I lightly sand, but want to leave some grain for my brush to find and that provides the depth and texture.

I do my own prep for my wood panels and treat them with an eco conscious, water based plant mixture to prep for acrylic paint. 

Working with layers of brush stokes and finger smudging, . Carefully and almost meditative, my process creates the soft and easy flow of the subject. I take my time building the layers with thick and thin blending, each piece takes 2-3 days to come to life.

It is my strong desire to invoke interest in the nests, birds, and a grounding connection to nature. I want each piece to create a tactile. warm and calming presence to a living space.  

My love of creating through wood and paint began a year ago when I found the Weaver Birds in a study online, and I was compelled to try my interpretation of the delight they gave me. 

Diving in to this new way of life has given me great joy, and my springboard of Photography and Design has given me the tools and peace of mind as a guide into this new chapter.