As a creative educator, my practice is deeply rooted in the interconnection between the natural world, attention, perception and creative inquiry.
I offer a collective, creative learning environment through immersive experiences in nature and creative practices. This active creative inquiry combines: experimental, sensory, and experiential learning in symbiosis with hands-on skill/technique building.
Vermont meadow, summer sketching
Art Practice and Creative Education
I have been teaching art since 2001, with recent courses at Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Roger Williams University. My focus has been drawing, art foundations and sculpture. As I’ve shifted my materials and methods towards all non-toxic and natural materials, my teaching has widened to encompass this research (e.g. eco-inks, hand-papermaking, sun-printing/alternative photography).
I have taught independently reaching a diverse community of students of all ages as well as expanding my curriculum to highlight nature and outdoor themes.
Recent Projects + Collaborators
Rhode Island School of Design Museum
Paper In the Making: Hands on demo of the paper making process to better understand the nature of paper and its context in the exhibition
Movement Education Outdoors
• Connecting with Creativity at MEO’s Raices Garden
• North South Trail Hike Consultant + Volunteer Guide
• Cyanotype with Nature: Osamequin Farm: 2-hour workshop with MEO youth creating sun prints on fabric
Providence Art Show / Art Smart Productions:
Non-toxic Monoprinting Techniques for Young Artists /
2-day workshop making unique prints using wood block and gel plate techniques
The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly
Paper Felting with Korean Hanji: 2-hour paper felting and wheat paste collage workshop
Hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail in northern CA, 2019
photo courtesy of JD Kay Photography
Nature and the Outdoor Experience
My journey to develop this approach has evolved over a decade through deepening my own creative practice to align with this vision, diversifying my teaching strategies, and expanding my outdoor skills.
Experience in the back-country - from the White Mountains of New Hampshire, to the high Sierra Mountains in California - has empowered me with perspective, inspired confidence and deepened my connection to the natural world. A journey hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019 was a pivotal experience. Being immersed on the trail for five months was truly profound and grounding. It reaffirmed my vision to align all of my practices towards an eco-centric focus with an intention to serve my community by exploring this kinship of nature + creativity.
Memberships, Affiliations
