_{Artist Statement}

I work in colored pencil, acrylic paint, and yarn. I try to capture the physical textures found in nature. I am especially drawn to botanical textures and seek to share the adventure of closely observing them in my artwork. Through my use of color and yarn I try to describe the characteristics of botanical specimens as we experience them through our emotions. My choice of using natural cotton yarn to create the flowers is my way of maintaining a connection to and showing respect for nature. I use 100 percent cotton yarn grown in the USA. I love the feel of the yarn and the rich bright colors. I express my feelings about my subjects with color unbothered by the boundaries of realism in favor of idealism. The texture is very easy to manipulate for blending colors in my yarn paintings. My work is created in a pet and smoke free environment. As I work, I am continuously amazed at the life and energy that seems to explode from each subject. I start out with an idea of what I want to do, yet I have found myself allowing the creative process to lead me in a new direction. Many subjects in my yarn paintings were originally colored pencil studies. Others are from new sketches that I have done to understand my subject better. You may look at my yarn work and think of it as requiring an undo amount of patience and persistence to create. However, while working on each piece I find that it is the most relaxing time of my day or night, and I truly look forward to my work.

_{Artist Biography}

Exhibitions:

Nov 2 - 30, 2024 National Conference of Artists - Michigan Lobby Gallery Continuum: An exhibition celebrating artists in our 50th Year Detroit, MI.

Aug Sept 2024 Ellen Kayrod Gallery at Hannan Center Sixth Annual Emerge! Art Festival Detroit, MI.

2024-2026 Public Art Program Exhibition “Botanical Ballet” and “Cosmic Dreamin” On loan to City of Farmington Hills Cultural Arts Division, MI.

September 2023 Tea and Art Display – Shadow of the Cross LCMS, Farmington Hills, MI

April 2023 LWML Spring Rally Exhibition – St. Thomas LCMS - Ann Arbor, MI

Summer 2012 “Botanical Ballet”, on display at Frame Art Gallery – Lubbock, TX.

February 2012 Annual Fiber Art Show - Municipal Garden and Art Center.

February 2012 The Seven Sisters – Invitational female group art show, Lubbock, TX.

July 2011 Lubbock Roots Historical Art Council – Invitational Show.

April 2011 Juried Selection: “Unfolding Tulips”, Lubbock Arts Alliance Festival.

February 2011 Third Annual Fiber Arts – Municipal Garden and Art Center.

October 2010 Art Heals Exploration, LHUAC Graffiti Bldg., Lubbock, TX

Publications

Margo Dupre Living Forgiven. Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly, VOL. LXXII No 3, Fall 2014, page 7 of article featuring images of Cosmic Dreamin, 2012 and Botanical Ballet, 2011.Lewis, Shawntay. 5 things to know about the Emerge! art exhibit, ‘The Art of Caregiving’. New York & Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaboration., August 31, 2024 https://nymisojo.com/2024/08/5-things-to-know-about-the-emerge-art-exhibit-the-art-of-caregiving/

Awards and Collections

January 2024 Winner of People’s Choice Award Farmington Hills City Public Art Program – Farmington Hills, MI. June 2011 “Botanical Ballet”, Winner of Armstrong Philley Special Award Artist League of West Texas - Lubbock, TX.2010 – present

Private collections throughout United States

Professional Memberships

National Conference of Artist (NCA) Michigan

Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club (DFACB)

Farmington Art Foundation