If you can name it, I’ve probably tried it. Dabbling in different art forms and materials has always been a fascination of mine. My studies at the University of Oregon Fine Arts Department went from photography to woodblock and lithographic printmaking. Have you ever grained off the surface of stone for lithography? It is grueling.

Most summers as a kid I spent with my Aunt and Uncle in Chicago at the Field Museum and all of the art shows and museums. My uncle Jay Wolke would take me to the renowned Taxidermy displays of the Field Museum and we would sit and draw the exhibits in our sketchbooks.

My uncle only recently retired from teaching photography at Colombia College after a few decades. So I’ve been surrounded by incredible artists who have shaped my views on art and art-making. People like Aviva Alter, William Krug, Paul Somers, Ron Gordon, Judy Natal, and so many more.

Out of college I went to Chicago and studied with screen and (Colombia) Intaglio printmaking. Crochet caught my fancy when the Wertheim sisters came to Lil Street Art Center with the Crochet Coral Reef Project and I feel lucky to be named in their book under the Chicago Satellite Reef. I went on to make quilts under the tutelage of Sarah Nishiura.

Long story longer, I’m fascinated by art mediums and art makers.