Maps are assumed to be objective, public documents that in fact carry subjective, personal meaning for each of us. My maps are marked or constructed to reveal both. I often work in series. You will find several of my map based series below.
MAPS OF CONSCIOUSNESS SERIES
These collages are made from topographical maps of Puget Sound, which are cut apart and put together in new configurations to create an interior landscape of contemplation. Hand stitched lines chart intuitive paths across this new terrain. These are intimate works; revealing themselves to close, quiet inspection
APPARITION MAP SERIES
These drawings are made with gold pencil and graphite on USGS topographical maps. They document apparitions of the Virgin Mary that have occurred in the continental US since 1945. The lattice-like circles radiate from the precise locations of these apparitions. I often juxtapose opposites in my work—in this case the scientific mapping of the known with the numinous experience of vernacular devotion.
STUDIES FOR A NON-HISTORICAL ATLAS SERIES
These works arose from an invitation to create site-specific work about Old Town Montreal without having the opportunity to actually visit the site. Finding online research awkward, I turned to maps and atlases to learn about the city and its history. Using topographical maps of Montreal, pastels, and stitching I made these drawings that ended up looking like my mind feels when I am a tourist.
MAPPING OF THE NORTHWEST SERIES
Coming from the Illinois prairie, I am fascinated by the Pacific Northwest terrain, especially its mountains and mountain watersheds. Mountain Meditation depicts the visibility of Mt. Rainier from Seattle. It is made from USGS topographical maps using hand and machine stitching. The statistics are revealed with pastel crayon. Watershed Series depicts the White, Cedar and southern portion if the Snohomish River watersheds, stitched onto layered panels of silk organza.