Pigment research extends into knowledge exchanges with plants, minerals, ecologies, peoples, place histories, communities, waters, gardens, land acknowledgements, art histories, contemporary realities, industrialization, remediation, international colour nerds, more-than-human conversations + hyper-local awareness…

Mineral Research (Clay + Soil + Rocks + Mordants)

  • One of the most lasting, archival sources of colour can be found in the minerals around us, from discarded copper to the soil beneath our feet. Urbanization can contaminate the porous bodies of earth and rock, from air pollution and industrial fall-out, which is a current contemplation in my mineral practice.

  • I gathered knowledge in mineral earths initially through commercially available materials, and then later received funding to enter into mentorships with Tilke Elkins, Heidi Gustafson, and John Sabraw.

Botanical Research (Plant-based Lakes + Inks + Binders)

  • Since, Materia medica, I have been deeply interested in local and botanical pigments, from black walnut to yardwaste. I am interested in making local colour palettes with ink and more recently with lake pigments, which involves binding botanicals to minerals, so they can be dried for future use with diverse binders.

  • Gathering colour from my local environment has come through self-taught explorations, as well as through mentorship with Tilke Elkins.

Material Relationship Research (Surfaces + Expanded Practices)

  • Sometimes the processing of the material is the art. Another interesting inquiry is how these found and local materials, once processed into inks and paints, might interact with each other or diverse surfaces. This is an ongoing area of interest that I imagine I will be experimenting with in my practice for the rest of my life.

  • While I have a master’s degree in visual studies, working with natural, local materials is both ancient and contemporary. This nonlinear way of creating is an ongoing adventure, with surprises, learning, and daily expanded happenings. Reach out if you are interested in these types of adventures.

material practices…

Pigment research + art processes

Pigments lead me to consider colour: its origins + impacts on our environment. Natural pigment alternatives, sustainable approaches, connections with the world around me + fellow pigment people motivate responsive practices.

Stay tuned for updates on studio happenings and research processes.

this blue ethic: ee portal