I have always been fascinated by the book as object, as well as the potential for immersive narratives enhanced by tactile elements. I think it has something to do with being raised by a school librarian. While working as a Production Assistant for Becker&Mayer! Book Producers (2006), I was introduced to the concept of “Book+” and was immediately hooked. I decided to pursue my graduate degree at Cranbrook Academy of Art and spent two years immersed in book making. I experimented with text as well as scale and materials, interactivity of components, and the active/passive roles of the reader.
My work has been included in several gallery shows throughout the country. Due to the demands of career and family I do not make as much new work as I would like and have had to cut back on exhibitions. Still, book arts remains near to my heart and I am an avid collector of artists books.
VILLANELLE IN IAMBIC PENTAMETER; Concrete Poetry Series piece #2
Date: 2009 Size: Varies
Materials: Concrete, laser cut typography
YELLOWHEART POEMS
Date: 2012 Size: 24 x 50”
Materials: Pau Amarillo wood, concrete, distressed steel
LOVE IN FOUR PARTS
Date: 2008
Mixed Media Installation: (size 8 x 10ft) materials include found sundresses, mirrors, vintage hangers, hidden
Editioned Chapbooks: (size 6 x9”) Arjjo Wiggins’ Curious Touch experimental textured paper, hand-sewn lace covers
Poetry Broadsides: (size 26 x 40”) screen printed on Arjjo Wiggins’ Curious Touch paper
ART(I)FACTS: Cranbrook Academy of Art Thesis Book
Date: 2009 Size: 24 x 18″
Materials: Digitally printed (full color), then hand-assembled and embellished with “book+” features, hardcover in case
CELLAR ROOTS vol. 35: Literary Journal of Eastern Michigan University
Date: 2006 Size: 6 x 10″ Print Run: 2,000
BUTTERFLY PRESS
Date: 2005 Size: 12 x 18”
Materials: Book box made from walnut bark and flock printed linen papers. Flower press made from cherry with brass screws. Contents of original poetry printed on vellum and craft papers. Pressed wildflowers.
THE EMPEROR’S NEW ZOO, Collaboration with illustrator Adele Hawkins
Date: (work in progress)
Materials: Interactive iBook and corresponding printed book.
EXHIBITIONS | visual works
2013 | Hashtag Loiter | Detroit, MI | a Detroit Design Festival ‘Happening’
2012 | Compuware Gallery | Detroit, MI | Employee Art Exhibition | Beyond the Cube2
2011 | Suffolk Art Museum | Suffolk, VA | Literary Art Exhibition | What in the Word
2011 | Abecedarian Gallery | Denver, CO | Book Arts Exhibition | Interactive Artifact
2011 | Cranbrook Forum Gallery | Bloomfield Hills, MI | Poster & Zine Show | Off the Wall
2011 | Compuware Gallery | Detroit, MI | Art Exhibition | Think Pink Week
2010 | Compuware Gallery | Detroit, MI | Employee Exhibition | Beyond the Cube (first place)*
2010 | Abecedarian Gallery | Denver, CO | Book Arts Exhibition | Wood Books
2009 | Cranbrook Museum of Art | Bloomfield Hills, MI | CAA Thesis Exhibition | Loose Canon
2008 | Abecedarian Gallery | Denver, CO | Poetry Exhibition | Words Works
2008 | Abecedarian Gallery | Denver, CO | Book Arts Exhibition | Interweavings
2008 | East End Applied Arts | Aurora, CO | Book Arts Exhibition | Multiples
2008 | Suffolk Folk Museum | Suffolk, VA | Book Arts Exhibition | Beyond Reading
2008 | Cranbrook Forum Gallery | Bloomfield Hills, MI | Graphic Design Show | Detritus
2008 | Abecedarian Gallery | Denver, CO | Book Arts Exhibition | Transparent/Opaque
2008 | Bloomfield Township Library | Bloomfield Hills, MI | Book Arts | Un:Shelved Selected Works*
2008 | Cranbrook Forum Gallery | Bloomfield Hills, MI | Book Arts Exhibition | Un:Shelved
2008 | Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center | Bloomfield Hills, MI | Book Arts Exhibition | Un:Shelved
2005 | Intermedia Gallery, EMU | Ypsilanti, MI | Cellar Roots Exhibition | Personal Pronouns
PUBLICATIONS | written works