FORAGE+CREATE
In 2019, I attended a workshop with The Chippewa of Rama First Nations in Rama, Ontario. This workshop focused on educating artists about the endless possibilities of the land and the importance of ethically sourcing and cultivating earth pigments and botanical inks. The wisdom and gentle approach to the land shared by the elders humbled me, leaving me committed to making my art practice as sustainable as possible.
As I continue to learn about earth pigments and inks, my goal remains the same: to create original, sustainably made art and to share my knowledge with fellow earth-conscious creatives. Whether making botanical inks, natural oil paints, or using plant-based natural paints, reducing my ecological footprint is essential to my art and life.
I hope you'll join me in honouring the often overlooked beauty around us. I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional, unceded ancestral homelands of the Mi’kmaq and Anishinaabe Indigenous Peoples. Their wisdom and teachings will stay with me forever.
Nature Prints
On a personal level, my journey into nature printing began as I evolved and changed, navigating through loss and grief. These experiences taught me just how little control we have over life. That realization drew me to the endless possibilities of nature printing processes like mono-printing, cyanotypes, and eco-printing.
What captivates me about these methods is their inherent unpredictability. Each print is unique, influenced by the variety of botanicals I use. This element of uncertainty contrasts with the strict control required in oil and acrylic painting, allowing me to truly let go and embrace the process.
Every morning, I walk with Luna, my loyal companion, gathering botanicals from our garden and the surrounding forest. These treasures are then transposed directly onto my prints, creating a natural evolution and deep connection to nature. This practice taps into my intuitive love for the natural world, making each piece a genuine reflection of that bond.
Nature printing is incredibly freeing and liberating for me. While it involves a certain level of science and understanding, the beauty lies in its imperfections. I'm not seeking perfection but rather embracing the organic, less anxiety-provoking process.
Like my collage work, I’m also exploring new dimensions by transferring my images onto fabric and experimenting with cyanotypes on canvas. This journey is about discovery, connection, and finding peace in the unpredictable.