These landscapes captivate me because of their horizontal-ness. 

Marshes are flat by nature, and water behaves by spreading to its widest possibility, making for long lines from side to side.  In contrast, the vertical reeds, grasses and occasional trees add texture and endless interest.  To me it is a slow and serene landscape.

Medium: Dye on silk, cotton, found fabrics, fused collage, machine quilted

Materials and Process

This diptych was commissioned by a medical center in Jacksonville, Florida, an area known for its tidal wetland preserves and river estuaries.  

Wetlands, whether the tidal salt marshes of the Florida coast or the freshwater marshes of Wisconsin, are an endless source of inspiration for me.  The horizontal expanses of luxuriant flora and vibrant skies are amplified by their reflection in the water’s surface. See the full screen video.

Medium: Dye and paint on cotton, silk, found fabrics, fused collage, machine quilted

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon system in the United States and is located near Amarillo, Texas. 

BNSF Railway, under the guidance of Sally King, curator, commissioned this work for their contemporary Southwest landscape collection.

Read more about the Palo Duro Canyon commission.

Medium: Dye and paint on silk, cotton, found fabrics, fused collage, machine quilted

Materials and Process

The first work in this series was created as a commission for a landscape designer. While studying the layered foliage and light effects, I knew I didn’t want to stop with one.

Medium: Dye on silk, cotton, found fabrics, fused collage, machine quilted

Materials and Process

Every summer my family and I visit dear friends and relatives in Wisconsin and often rent a cottage on a lake.  My habit is to scour my “Wisconsin Atlas and Gazetteer” for new roads to travel, always looking for the legend symbol indicating wetlands.  With the patience of my family, I set out driving, paddling, hiking and photographing marshes, meadows and swamps.  The marshes with their open water, stands of cattail, mats of duckweed and lily pads enchant me the most.  
Many of the larger wetland works are based on mashes near Lake Butte des Mortes and Lake Poygan, near my hometown of Oshkosh and the Wolf and Fox Rivers.

Medium: dye and paint on silk, cotton, found fabrics; fused collage, machine quilted

Materials and Process