My Journey as an Artist
I never planned on becoming a full-time artist—it was something I grew into, driven by curiosity and a relentless desire to explore materials. My background is in glass art, specifically fusing and casting. It all started with a weekend glass class making jewelry cabochons. By Monday, I was back at the studio, purchasing a small kiln, and I spent the next ten years teaching myself everything I could about warm glass techniques and fine craft practices. This included ceramics for mold-making, copper electroforming for jewelry, and welding for display stands.
As art glass prices soared, I pivoted toward reclaimed and recycled glass. Eventually, I transitioned to working with plastic and acrylic, using dichroic vinyl to create the illusion of glass. My work has always been rooted in material exploration and how different elements interact with light. Before committing fully to my art practice, I worked as a graphic designer, balancing both careers. When COVID forced a period of reflection, I knew it was time to take the leap into full-time artistry. This transition helped me refine my artistic voice, with a growing focus on sustainability and data-driven storytelling.
The Influences & Experiences That Shape My Work
My work has always been shaped by the landscapes of Alberta, where I was born and raised. Summers spent camping in Alberta and BC instilled a deep appreciation for the outdoors. That connection to nature is a constant thread in my art. However, another major influence on my work is my background in graphic design.
For years, I worked as a designer, specializing in distilling complex information into easy-to-understand visuals. Annual reports, infographics, and content flow for websites all required a keen sense of clarity and organization. When I transitioned to full-time art, these problem-solving skills naturally integrated into my practice. The bold shapes, patterns, and use of data visualization in my work are direct reflections of my design training.
Over time, my focus shifted from depicting landscapes to exploring human impact on the environment. During COVID, I became more aware of my own excess—like online shopping habits—and that deepened my interest in climate justice. I started researching climate data, particularly weather patterns, and translating that information into visual forms. My curiosity fuels constant material experimentation, and I’m always looking for new ways to make complex topics more visually engaging and interactive.
How My Art Practice Has Evolved Over Time
I started with fine craft, creating functional glass pieces that honed my attention to detail. Over time, I found myself gravitating toward abstraction, exploring themes through materiality rather than representation. When I became a full-time artist, I finally had the mental space to push my artistic approach. I realized that abstraction felt more natural to me—it better reflected elements like water, wind, gemstones, and topography. These subconscious ties to the environment give my work an organic, immersive quality.
My practice has also expanded in scale. I moved from traditional glasswork to larger sculptural and architectural installations. Public art and corporate commissions have become a significant part of my focus, allowing me to engage audiences in new ways. Shifting from small craft-based work to large-scale projects has opened up possibilities I never imagined when I first started melting glass in a tiny kiln.
My Materials & Techniques – A Focus on Light and Sustainability
Light-reactive materials are at the core of my work. My background in glass art trained me to think about transparency, reflection, and layering. Now, I work primarily with dichroic vinyl, acrylics, and recycled plastics to create dynamic, color-shifting installations.
Digital fabrication techniques, like laser cutting and CNC routing, allow me to achieve precise, intricate designs. But just as important as the materials I use is how they interact with light and space. I think a lot about the movement of viewers—how a piece changes as someone walks by, how the colors shift throughout the day, and how reflection can transform the experience of an artwork.
Sustainability is also a key focus of my practice. I incorporate reclaimed and recycled materials wherever possible, using alternative sources to reduce environmental impact. Every material choice carries meaning, and I see my work as a way to explore and challenge the lifecycle of materials.
Why Sustainability & Data Visualization Matter in My Work
My art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about sparking conversation. Over the years, I’ve realized that data visualization is a powerful tool for connecting people to abstract concepts like climate change. Many of us experience extreme weather events, but seeing the patterns over time—how storms, wildfires, or floods are increasing—makes the reality impossible to ignore.
At my last gallery show, I discovered that data visualization creates a bridge between abstract art and analytical thinking. People who might not typically engage with contemporary art found themselves drawn in because they recognized the patterns and information embedded in my work.
As someone who transitioned from a graphic design career, I see data as a visual language—one that can be just as expressive as color or form. By integrating environmental data into my installations, I aim to create works that not only captivate but also educate and inspire change.
