Bio

I’m a public artist living and working in Seattle, Washington. After growing up in Ohio and New Hampshire, I moved to Pittsburgh to pursue a BFA at Carnegie Mellon University where I graduated with honors in 2007. I briefly lived and worked in Los Angeles before receiving a Fulbright grant in 2008 to create sculpture in Iceland based on the society’s interaction with its unique landscape. I then returned to Pittsburgh and focused my practice on public art, eventually relocating to Seattle in the fall of 2014, both for a change of pace and to be closer to family. I received a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Washington in 2017., and rather than presenting new life paths, the education opened my eyes further to the power of art and community engagement, leading to the development of my public art studio and full-time practice.

Approach

The ultimate goal of my artistic practice is to put surprising, playful, and thought-provoking work in public spaces where it can be experienced and enjoyed by an expanded audience. Whether it’s mural work, sculpture, or a combination of the two, my work aims to provide a change of pace to the often-monotonous hustle and bustle of daily life, while simultaneously encouraging a fresh look at the site and culture that the work inhabits.

Public art is unique in its ability to surprise its viewers. Beyond inspiring passersby in the moment, good public art can make everything around us look and feel a little different. Whether it’s a giant acorn smashing a park bench, huge birds wrapping an unused building in ribbon, or giant toy jacks sitting alongside cars in a downtown parking lot, my work presents unique narratives that ask viewers to explore possibilities, both in the physical landscape and within themselves and their communities.

While every project is different, I consistently employ the same steps to ensure a dynamic and creative concept that speaks truthfully to the community and positively interacts with its surroundings.

CULTURE: An understanding of what makes each community unique: gained through collaboration
CONTEXT: Successful consideration of, and interaction with, the project site and surroundings
CREATIVITY: A unique exploration of project themes and imagery uncovered through research and engagement processes

Upcoming Projects

City of Seattle, Natural Drainage System Kit of Parts. Seattle, WA
I’m very excited to be working with the City of Seattle and Seattle Public Utilities to add artwork elements to Natural Drainage Systems throughout Seattle neighborhoods.

BelRed Mural Program. Bellevue, WA
I’m looking forward to painting a fun little mural for the city of Bellevue soon!

PIPER, exhaust stack installation. Redmond, WA
In early 2024, we’ll be creating a unique installation at a new development in Redmond that will be filled with public art of all kinds.

Chapter Buildings Mural. University District, WA
I’m excited to create one of many murals for the Chapter Buildings in the UDistrict in 2024.

City of Seattle, East Marginal Way Public Art Project. Seattle, WA
Another big project with the City of Seattle is in the works!