Creative Beginnings

Negative Space Chairs

Marker on paper, 20 x 25 in., 2023

Using only three colored markers and expressive scribble marks, this piece explores how chaotic linework can bring order to a visual space. Drawn from observation, the overlapping chairs emerge from the absence of harsh lines. I was able to explore how the size of the scribbles created value, allowing a sense of depth to be seen in a 2D plane.

Staircase

Colored pencil on paper, 16 x 16 in., 2023

In this piece I was able to utilize different colored pencil techniques to depict an interior stairway of a home. I used hatching and cross-hatching to add a sense of shadow and depth. I really like the gallery wall I added to the stairwell, as I think it adds a lot of character and color to the area.

Fruit Collage

Mixed Media, 8.5 x 11 in., 2023

In this piece, I was experimenting with creating realistic fruit slices by using watercolor and a white gel pen for highlights. I wanted to combine all the fruit I made into a sort of collage, where the background was a textured black and white checkerboard which is typically associated with kitchen floors. This is my abstract take on a fruit bowl.

Kitchen Line Drawing

Marker on paper, 16.5 x 11 in., 2023

In this piece I looked at a photo of a kitchen I designed online for reference and then used a ruler to create all the perfect lines. I was experimenting with angles and linear perspective in this artwork.

Landscape Tile

Ceramic, 4 x 4 in., 2023

I created a small ceramic tile that depicts a mountainous region with trees and a river running through it. I experimented with hand building techniques for ceramics, including creating a slab, carving, and using the "slip and score" method for adding clay. I experimented with layering glaze to make areas of grass look darker or lighter.

Still Life

Graphite on paper, 11 x 14 in., 2022

Drawn from direct observation, this piece depicts an arrangement of various items. I used an arrangement of values of graphite pencils to show both deep shadows and bright highlights. I experimented here with having values alone define the shapes rather than harsh, defined pencil outlines.

Nature Mark-Making Still Life

Marker on paper, 15 x 9 in., 2022

This still life was drawn from the direct observation of various natural items arranged in front of me. To capture the unique textures and shadows within each object, I combined mark-making techniques of hatching, contour lines, cross-hatching, and stippling. 

Tangled Stillness

Oil pastel on paper, 20 x 12 in., 2024

Drawn from direct observation, this piece captures a knotted piece of fabric using various shades of purple, blue, and white. The application of oil pastel emphasizes the tension and softness of the folds, blending form and shadow to explore the contrast between complexity and calm. 

Negative Space Stools

Water-soluble graphite on paper, 16 x 22 in., 2023

This artwork utilized different thicknesses of water-soluble graphite to create a full value scale, allowing the outline of two stacked stools to emerge within negative space. The darkest values were used right up against the negative space so the edges were sharp. This creates a stark contrast between the negative and positive space, and the gradual blend into lightness creates a sense of physical space.

Ceramic Box

Ceramic,  5 x 5 x 5 in., 2024

This is a ceramic box that has a nesting lid on top. My inspiration for this piece was the SAKO Architects' building Cube Tube in Jinhua, China. I liked the way the windows on that building were different sizes of squares replicated all over the facade, so I wanted to show that in my design. I used a stencil cut from a laser printer for this, putting it on top of a slab and pressing so that the squares of clay would emerge on top. 

City Corner

Pen on paper, 11.5 x 9 in., 2023

This is a two-point perspective drawing of two city streets converging. Here, I wanted to dramatize the perspective to show as many unique buildings as I could. I experimented with different window designs, roof styles, balconies, and additions like lamp posts and awnings. I did one draft of this in pencil then finished it with pen.