My work explores the relationship between human survival, the natural world and indigenous heritage. I am curious about the connection between the health of the human population, the land that feeds us and the indigenous lineage that weaves through us. Growing up as a South American in the United States, brought to light the loss of identity that takes place when existing between two cultures. Time and place are foundational to our identity formation. Plants are the landscape of our cultural  formation shaping what we eat, medicinal practices and how we relate to the world.  Our humanity is interconnected to plant life and plant health. Through my work I aim to explore these themes of belonging and identity through the lens of conservation and land stewardship.

I am drawn to process-heavy materials and techniques rooted in tradition. My work currently incorporates encaustic, cyanotype printmaking, graphite & ink in botanical portraiture, landscape and migratory themes. I explore mixing these different media to develop unique processes that inform my work. 

Encaustic, an ancient painting method using wax and resin, offers a unique physicality. The wax can be built up, scraped away, and re-melted, demanding a tactile engagement that mirrors the physical and mental demands of creative work, and indeed, of life itself. The accumulating fatigue in my muscles and mind as the work progresses reflects the ongoing, often boundless nature of engaging with the world around us. My encaustic pieces often explore botanical plant life. The use of saturated colors and bold shapes, juxtaposed with precarious balancing points, highlights the inherent instability and the illusion of complete control, while still acknowledging the capacity for genuine delight and connection.

In a parallel process, I create cyanotypes, a camera-less photographic process that uses light-sensitive iron salts to create a distinctive blue print. This method connects me directly to the power of the sun and its impact on the environment. My cyanotypes often incorporate found natural objects, such as plants and leaves gathered from specific locations, creating direct impressions of the landscape. These botanical elements, sometimes combined with vintage ephemera, create a dialogue between the natural world and the human-made. The characteristic blue of the cyanotype process evokes a sense of memory and nostalgia, reflecting the layered histories that shape our perception of nature. At times, the images are abstract, focusing on the textures and patterns created by the interaction of light, water, and plant material. These abstract pieces emphasize the beauty and fragility of the natural world, reminding us of its power and its vulnerability.

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Through these layered images and processes, I aim to explore our complex and evolving relationship with the environment, acknowledging both its beauty and its precarious state. As a mother and an artist, my work explores the parallels of labor, insecurity, and satisfaction embedded in both roles. As a child of South American immigrants I explore the tension of existing here and longing for there, exploring time and place and our connection to the land and its provisions. The conflict between these narratives and my ambitions for nostalgic simplicity drive my work.