Stump, in Blue

Artist Statement

As I was wrapping up high school and preparing to move to Milwaukee, a new family moved into the neighborhood. In their kitchen, symbols were painted on each cabinet’s pull. At first glance, they looked like simple abstract imagery, but when questioned, I came to find out that the symbols were in fact a language, hoboglyphs. A fascinating system of symbols, this language provided visual information conveying where water, or kindness could be found; which way to go, when to be quiet, etc., etc..



And in many ways, that is what this body of work is; abstract images used to express simple, and at times profound realizations and connections between the land and myself. Embarking on weekly walks at The Kratzsch Conservancy in Newburg, WI, I saw this opportunity, as a resident artist for ArtServancy as an opportunity to be alone. I took it as permission to set everything down.

As time went on, I connected my walks with time. I felt as if I was cataloging time; punching in, punching out, as if going to work, only to no job I’d ever held before. And as I walked, I thought, and as I thought, I saw. I saw forms becoming ideas, ideas becoming potential, and potential turning into material. I was pulled back to my studio and a collection of material I’d been holding onto for some time: vintage timecards.

Thus, this project. Days spent in nature, cataloged onto 11” x 15” paper becoming memories. Captured in collaged materials, these works are reflective of what I saw, thought, and most importantly, felt.

In more ways than one, this is my story.