What Inspires Me

I am excited to bring my lifelong love of nature to designing and creating  one-of-a-kind landscape art quilts.  Recently retired from a 30-year career as a wildlife biologist, I am  finding great pleasure and inspiration in creating beautiful artistry  that reflects the wonders of our natural world.   My art quilts are influenced by decades of working in the field of wildlife conservation, love of photography, fondness for  colors, and an strong affinity for detail.

It is the high level of detail that makes my artwork really unique and gorgeous.  On first viewing, many people don’t realize they are quilts but rather paintings or tapestry.

I am constantly looking at my natural surroundings for inspiration and nature’s details to include in my next art quilt.  As an outdoor enthusiast living in Truckee, CA, the Sierras provide amazing inspiration.   When not creating art quilts, I enjoy many sports including kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and skiing.  My favorite vacations always include bird watching and exploring the paths less traveled.  

The Creative Process 

Letting the “fabric speak to me” is an important element of  any design.  It influences the fine details of the landscape art quilt throughout the creative process. I also add different textile elements to add depth.  Fine details added through a diversity of  thread and textile quilting techniques are what make my art quilts special.  They are definitely very different from the more traditional, geometric quilts.  My art quilts have been described as “paintings with fabric” reflecting the fine details that go into every quilt to create that magical art.  I have also received multiple comments that people “can’t believe these are quilts.” My larger landscape art quilts frequently incorporate over 50 fabrics and 30 thread colors!   Utilizing the free-motion quilting technique allows me to create subtle nuances in my quilting, thus, further reflecting the subtle nuances of nature.  My quilting is done without any computerized design or  commercial templates, thus they are truly unique works of art.   I love adding subtle elements and surprise details, often incorporating textiles to add additional dimension and further adding to the unique quality and detail of my art.

Quilts are available in a full range of formats and sizes including  wall hangings, place mats, pillow cases, or lap throws.  Each quilt is inspired by nature but specifically designed to meet the customer’s aspirations.  I love working with a wide variety of colors and textile media with the  goal  to provide a true eye-catching piece of art.    Looking for the unique wedding gift, a memory quilt, or an eye catching wall hanging?  I will create a unique piece of artwork that truly represents “My Reflections of Nature Art Quilts.” Check out my gallery for examples of my work.

Events featuring my work include:

Truckee Thursday (https://chamber.truckee.com/news/details/big-life-artist-of-the-week-truckee-cultural-district-06-12-2018)  ,

Truckee’s Fall into Art Celebration (https://truckee.com/fallintoartcelebration/2019),

Gallery 5830, Truckee,  2021

Crystal Basin Winery, Sip and Shop 2020 and 2021

Made in Tahoe Festival, Palisades,  2018

Maker Show, Truckee, 2018 and 2023

Folsom Spring Art Show, 2023