Inspired by nature and collecting natural materials I create unique sculptural forms. When I began working with these delicate and seemingly impermanent materials, I looked to the ancient Native American culture to learn. The process of gathering the pine needles, branches, flower and seed pods and preparing them for use is regenerative and enlightening. This is especially true when the fall weather is beautiful, and I bring a friend who enjoys the hunt as much as I do. The techniques I use for the pine needles is coiling, sewn securely with sinew. Sometimes I use raffia to wrap the coils to make a design, or just use the sinew to wrap. I have used sunflower seeds and cantaloup seeds as well as other natural and glass beads, and shells to embellish. I work to arrange branches and tree bark into wall reliefs held together with sinew. I introduce different materials such as handmade paper made from iris leaves, dried flower pods, yarn, and embroidery floss to discover something new and different.
