My mixed media collage work is created from vintage maps, books, and paper. Audubon images are a favorite of mine. I combine a collage image of a New England bird with a map that represents its potential habitat. When searching for the perfect paper for my collage work, I find myself studying the colors and textures in an image thinking about how they could translate into the detail of the bird I am creating. In a world where many ordinary objects and books are tossed away or not appreciated, it’s nice to find a way to reimagine and bring new life to them.
In the past few years, I have created some public art. I enjoy collaborating with fellow artists with complementary skills. This collaboration allows me to stretch my imagination. Continuing to reuse materials that I collect, I have created some pieces by fusing recycled plastic materials that are donated to me by the community. My public art has been placed in forests and botanical settings.
I volunteer my time for ArtLinks, a local networking group, and I also serve on the Arts Arlington cultural engagement committee. Giving back to my community is important to me. I enjoy working with Arlington and Lexington arts groups to create opportunities for public art. Keep an eye out later this spring for sidewalk murals by storm drains popping up in Arlington. These sidewalk murals are intended to create awareness of our local waterways.
I recently put together a show called “A Bird’s Eye View: New England Birds, Four Perspectives.” This show highlights my collage work, and the works of three other women artists, all of whom work in different mediums. The Old Schwamb Mill (17 Mill Lane) is hosting our show in its gallery, which is open Tuesday and Saturday, until May 18. Join me and my fellow artists for an art talk on April 27 at 2pm.
