BIOGRAPHY
Hello! I am a printmaker, potter, artist, and teacher. I grew up in the beautiful hills of West Virginia. As a child, most attention was given to the natural world and the feelings associated with its freedom. My father’s contracting business inspired my love of construction, and my mother's love of teaching influenced my path in education.
I attended Fairmont State College and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education, specializing in Fine Arts and Family and Consumer Science. In the art program, my focus was on pit-fired sculptural ceramics. My senior exhibit was a study of an evolving sphere thrown on the wheel and altered to create varying natural forms. The exhibit included wall installations, tea sets, and handmade functional lighting.
After graduating, I focused on teaching tiny artists and my daughter. During this time, I achieved National Board Certification as an elementary art educator and worked as a community arts educator at Fairmont State University. In 2022, I obtained my master's in Art Education and Art Therapy Certification at West Virginia University. My thesis research examined archetypes, therapeutic practices, and Appalachian nature synthesized into a juvenile fiction book.
I teach at the college level as an Assistant Professor of Art. The courses I teach include pottery, watermedia, 2D Design, and arts education. At this level, strive to encourage artistic perspective while incorporating therapeutic practices, core concepts, contemporary themes, and skill/media awareness. I continue to explore and produce limited edition reduction prints, designs on textiles, pottery exploration, and book making.
Mentors: Jeff Greeham, Jennifer Boggess, Lynn Boggess, Jeff Hindel, Barry Snyder, Stephan Smigocki, Annie McFarland, Joseph Lupo, Terese Giobbia
STATEMENT
At Burnt Cabin Press, my work explores the intersection of process, memory, and connection through the medium of printmaking and hand-stamped textiles. Using a single block of linoleum, I create multi-layer reduction prints that embody the passage of time, with each layer peeled away to reveal color, shadow, and texture. This method results in limited edition prints, as the final block cannot be reused beyond its original series. If the integrity of the detail remains, I create single-color prints, offering another iteration of the imagery. The act of reducing the block also allows for a sense of loss and renewal, as each stage of carving permanently removes what came before, leaving behind a transformed work and opening space for new creation.
The act of peeling back each layer is a moment of revelation—a visceral, anticipatory experience akin to unwrapping a present. This process captures the essence of fleeting emotions and memories, translating them into visual form.
My textiles undergo a similar transformation, utilizing upcycled sustainable pieces that are one of a kind, block-printed with patterns inspired by nature, architecture, and vintage designs. Each textile piece is adorned using hand-carved stamps, meticulously designed and carved to create intricate, repeating patterns.
Each item carries a history, having been thoughtfully sourced, reused, and upcycled into a new form. By giving new life to previously discarded materials, the process embodies sustainability in action—transforming the old into something fresh and unique. This commitment to repurposing not only reduces waste but also reinforces the individuality of each piece, making every creation a one-of-a-kind testament to renewal and mindful craftsmanship.
The core of my work lies in human connection—how we experience emotions, interact with nature, and process our internal landscapes. The layering of blocks mirrors the way we accumulate memories, feelings, and experiences over time. Printmaking allows me to visually journal these moments, integrating flora, fauna, and symbolic elements into compositions that reflect the ephemeral nature of life. Each image becomes a study of turmoil and stillness, order and chaos, and how we navigate these dualities.
Beyond the creative process, my work is about engagement. Burnt Cabin Press serves as a bridge between art, fashion, and sustainability, offering a conscious alternative to mass production. My approach prioritizes repurposed fabrics and traditional printmaking techniques to craft wearable art that resonates with a sense of place and purpose. By incorporating elements of Appalachian landscapes and cultural heritage, I create pieces that foster a deep connection between the wearer and the natural world.
Burnt Cabin Press is more than a brand; it is a movement toward sustainable, locally produced art that honors tradition while pushing creative boundaries. Whether through limited edition prints or hand-stamped textiles, my goal is to offer unique, meaningful works that encourage mindfulness, individuality, and environmental stewardship.