Artist Statement

Photography allows me to explore and celebrate our people, our place and our purpose.

Photography is my main medium for creative expression. Other art forms such as painting, and beading, fabric and fiber arts are occasionally incorporated too.

I'm a citizen of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and I come from a family of artists and storytellers as well as trades people. My family roots include Norwegian and Yugoslavian (from an area now known as Croatia) ancestors among several other European nations. The layers of what make me who I am provide deep roots for my inspiration.

Growing up in Seattle, Washington, nature in the surrounding landscape has held a deep root in my artistic focus too. The vibrant ferns that come every spring, or the falling leaves and the richness of the cedars have held my attention since I was very young.

Often, I will have an experience I want to share, or daydream an idea, then I bring that to life through visual art and photography.