Where’d it all start?

I’ve always loved making art for as long as I can remember. I think my first analog collages were made in high school, but I didn’t really think of collage as a formal art form until studying art education in college. I really began focusing on collages as a practice in self-care about four years ago and now I can’t even imagine not creating collages daily!

Favorite piece you’ve created and why?

I have a handful of favorites, but generally, my collages that incorporate landscapes, floral, and nature imagery are the ones I connect most with. I am also currently working on a large piece on a wooden panel that I am really excited about. It’s much larger than I generally work with lots of small intricate pieces, but I am loving a slower process and using wood rather than paper as my substrate.

Where do you feel the most inspired?

I recently moved into a house and finally have a dedicated space for creating, so I am incredibly inspired in my little art space and feel so lucky to have that area! I also love exploring outdoor places and find a lot of inspiration from being in nature.

What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self?

The best advice I can think of for any artist is just to put your work out there, trust in yourself, and set dedicated time aside to make, explore, and experiment as much as you can. Also, social media is so complicated, but one thing it is really wonderful for is the accessibility of art and sharing of art. I am a super shy person, so I still struggle with putting my work out there, but the world is huge and there will always be people who relate to or enjoy your art. I know having an Instagram account has really helped me to just put my creations out into the world and connected me to a whole community of collage artists.

Favorite photographer or artistic inspiration?

In terms of artistic inspiration, I am very inspired by the vintage materials I use in my collages, as well as historical femmage techniques. I also feel like collage has really taken off lately as an art form, so I am constantly inspired by too many contemporary collage artists to even begin to name them all and I am always discovering new favorites. There are so many talented collage artists as well as dedicated collage publications, collections, and really wonderful communities out there!

Favorite book, TV show, or movie from the past year?

Neither of these is new, but I recently watched and really enjoyed the Flowers series by Will Sharpe and (the British version) of Ghosts.

Last meal on earth? (food, setting, people, etc.)

I’m a big fan of picnics, so I’d say a baguette, wine, fruit, and olives while watching a sunset someplace beautiful with people I love would have to be it.