As an intuitive thinker and trained geologist I am interested in melding the unknown with the known to explore stone on several levels. My geologic designs are carefully researched and accurately illustrate geologic terranes while my abstract work is filtered through my geologic mindset and plays out as interwoven stone tapestries.

The techniques I pioneered in my art work have been described as ground breaking. I am completely self-taught in cutting, polishing, and inlaying stone. The process of transforming a boulder into slices, then polishing and precision cutting the slices into pattern pieces that jigsaw together can take hundreds of hours. I challenge herself by seamlessly piecing together small slices of rare material so they create a larger “canvas” from which to work. Because of the inherent challenges of this work, I have several art works in progress at one time.

My opus sectile mosaic is created from a variety of earth materials that are inlaid into 2- and 3-D art work. The work is material-driven with the stone being an essential part of the design. I am inspired by the stone’s veining and banding while being equally stimulated by understanding its formation and discovery. I especially enjoy juxtaposing elements that are not found together in nature. It can take years to accumulate the ideal rocks for a new work of art, but there is magic when the right balance of materials is unearthed!

Some themes that continue to inspire me include the cosmos, geologic time, primordial landscapes, and layers within layers.  Recently I created work reflecting my interest in the power of the geosphere and the existential threat of volcanism to the biosphere. I am also dedicated to geo-conservation.  I hope that my tactile art elicits appreciation, stimulates curiosity, and leaves the viewer in awe of our earth’s mysteries.