Finding My Way: Exploring, Searching, and Discovering
New work: Finding My Way Series, mixed-media collage art where calm feels like motion. Some people think calm has to be still…grid lines straight, colors muted, no surprises. I started with textured, patterned papers, and natural materials, arranged in a harmonious composition. Then I cut curves. A curved line, hand-cut from white paper, sometimes painted, laid over whatever I'd already pieced. Suddenly the whole thing breathes and has movement. The grid doesn't vanish; it takes on a new life. These new collages are what happened when I let that idea run loose. I enjoyed creating some of the papers—various printmaking and mark-making techniques, adding some botanical images. next making decisions about what to include and how to arrange. I learned how to make walnut ink and used this, along with other neutral colors and blue hues.
Quiet Meander is the first. Ten-inch square on watercolor paper (16.25” with a mat and glass, framed in a natural wood frame): walnut ink that I made myself stains the papers, a vintage flower print emphasizes my love of nature, the loose grid holding everything like a quilt frame, while the off-white line weaves throughout the collage. I wasn't sure what to call it until it settled: Quiet Meander. Because meandering doesn't have to mean lost.
Between Measures came next. Same size, same hush, but sheet-music fragments and soft teal wash, paired with indigo, charcoal, walnut and tea stained translucent layers. A soft, comforting color palette, various lines, botanicals, and that white curve traveling through like a held note in a lullaby. The title showed up before I finished: the space between beats is where life hides.
Circuitous Route closes the circle-literally. It's round. Layers of walnut-stained papers, vintage text and botanicals peeking through, interesting patterns and visual textures carefully created by the artist. The white lines loop, doubles back, playfully refusing the straight shot. On a 10-inch canvas, it feels like coming home the long way, enjoying the sights and details.
Neutral Interplay (10×12”. 15.75x19.625 with mat and frame). Actual birch bark, fabric, denim blue, indigo, rust and cream. The grid's looser here, like an old blanket; the warm colors, soft neutrals, text fragments and organic patterns invite the eye to wander slowly and thoughtfully. The curve moves through it like breath, and gracefully unifies the original art.
Circular Rhythm— the title came to me easily; it captures both the visual and conceptual essence of the collage. “Circular” conveys the primary structure and motion within the composition — that sense of turning, flow, and balance. “Rhythm” connects to the musical notes, script-like marks, and overall cadence of repeated shapes, values, and patterns — all without being literal. An elegant, contemporary, calm, but dynamic mixed-media. By the way, I made this pottery when I was in college.
A quiet invitation: picture these three pieces from Finding My Way grouped on your wall. The interplay of soft blues, natural tones, and flowing white lines creates a soothing, thoughtful presence—perfect for a spot where you pause and recharge.
Stay tuned for more. “Landing Lightly” is almost complete right now. Translucent layers, walnut spatter in tan, gray, blue, faint pink, and the image of a bird—waiting to be framed. I have been creating several more in a similar style, and may continue.
They're not about navigation maps. They're about how the detour feels good once you stop fighting it. This series also represents my creative drive to search for new ways of expression, explore media and processes and discover new ways of working. They're up on the site. I hope you’ll stop in when you have a quiet moment.