Artist Statement

I create art that functions as a way of restoring and preserving my memories. These memories are from influences and interactions with the scenery around me, usually the countryside. I am from fresh air, farmland and warm welcomes. I am inspired by my recollections of things such as homemade vegetable soup in big pickle jars, seasonal crops being harvested, old quilts darned with new stitches, and deep voices and southern drawls. I try to capture this nostalgia throughout my work.

I challenge myself to rework pieces until they evoke personal resonance. I select materials and tools based on their relevance to my concept and out of reverence to my upbringing. I want to show my appreciation to those who have provided me with the warmth and comfort of southern hospitality. I love bold, sporadic marks scattered like seeds across a particular media; therefore I translate my memoirs on surfaces that are unpredictable and can be manipulated. I feel that the surface of fibers best reveals these qualities, but enjoy exploring how my concepts translate in to other media. I hope my work will encourage viewers to reminisce about old memories that they find comforting, memories that can be told in front of crackling embers over a slow fire.

Seniors: Katelyn Atkins • Sonja Avena • Rachael Hall • Haley Hargett • Jennifer Leiner • Kelley Loconte • Amber McClure • Abby Overman • Alecia Overton • Jennifer Watson • Krista Way