Artist Statement
As a full-time studio artist with over 20 years of weaving experience, I transform retired commercial fishing gear from Newport's fleet into large-scale woven pictorial art. Where traditional tapestry uses fine wool weft, I weave with 3/8 and 7/16-inch fishing rope; where cotton seine twine once formed the warp, trawling nets now take its place. Reclaimed crab rings and repurposed steel frames serve as my looms.
With formal training as an aquatic biologist and educator, I bring scientific understanding to both the materials I use and the marine ecosystems they represent. Working directly with the Port of Newport commercial fishing community, I collect discarded gear that would otherwise enter the waste stream, transforming it into narrative art that honors the relationship between maritime work and marine life.
This practice creates works that invite viewers to consider the intersection of maritime industry, art, and marine stewardship.
Evolution of my fishing rope weaving practice
- 2021: Explored weaving with retired commercial fishing rope into functional pieces.
- 2021 - 2024: Buit technique master, retail success, community relationships.
- 2024: First solo exhibition (Lincoln City Cultural Center).
- 2025: Closed retail studio to focus on fine art.
- 2026: Solo exhibition at Newport Visual Arts Center, Runyun Gallery.
CV
Education
2022 M.S. Aquatic Biology
Solo Exhibitions
2026 - Weaving Currents: Maritime History and Marine Ecosystems. Runyun Gallery, Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport, Oregon
2024 - Weaving Maritime History. Fiber Art Gallery, Lincoln City Cultural Center. Lincoln City, Oregon
Juried or Curated Small Group Exhibitions
2025 - Woven Worlds. Runyan Gallery, Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport, Oregon
2024 - Cycles of Nature. Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, Newport, Oregon
2024 - Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Member's Show. Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport, Oregon
2023 - Art Studio Tour exhibit. Chessman Gallery, Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City, Oregon
2023 - Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Member's Show. Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport, Oregon
2022 - Phantom Gallery. Art Toledo, Toledo, Oregon
2022 - Mayor's Art Show. Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport, Oregon
Unjuried Art Community Exhibitions
2025 - Something For Everyone. Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport. Oregon
2024 - Celebrating Creativity. Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport. Oregon
2023 - Celebrating Creativity. Newport Visual Arts Center, Newport. Oregon
2022 - Push Pin Show. Newport Visual Art Center. Newport, Oregon.
2022 - Tiny But Mighty. American Tapestry Alliance, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Committees
2025 - present - Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee
2026 - present - Small Business Development Center Advisory Committee
Active Memberships
Oregon Coast Council for the Arts
Fiber Art Now
Tapestry Weavers West
American Tapestry Alliance
Surface Design Association
Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
Training and Workshops on Weaving and Business