My artistic process is rooted in a deep engagement with materials, tools, environment, and workspace, allowing these elements to collaboratively shape the outcome of each piece. This approach fosters a heightened presence and mindfulness throughout my practice. Central to my work is Japanese-style handmade paper, a medium I have studied extensively both academically and during a study abroad program in Echizen, Japan.
I specialize in hand papermaking, using plant and bark fibers, and integrate nontraditional printmaking techniques to explore cultural and folkloric themes. By reimagining historical narratives, I aim to highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of paper—not just as a medium, but as an art form in its own right. My work offers a nuanced, intimate exploration of paper's potential to communicate beyond its functional origins, inviting a deeper understanding of its materiality and cultural significance.
Currently, my work explores the connections between past and present, tradition and modernity, and the timeless relevance and evolution of folklore narratives. Inspired by stories of the Japanese yōkai, kaiju, and American monster culture, my work responds to how myths and fables reflect the fears of a society at a given time. Using handmade paper and paper pulp allows me to preserve and reimagine these stories in a contemporary context. Through intricate technique and vivid imagery, I invite viewers to embrace an exploration of monsters woven into my unique and ghastly universe.
CV
EDUCATION
2024
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with distinction, University of Iowa Center for the Book, Iowa City, IA
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with distinction, University of Iowa Center for the Book, Iowa City, IA
2023
Penland School of Craft, Summer Session with Akemi Martin, NC
Penland School of Craft, Summer Session with Akemi Martin, NC
2022
Study Abroad: Artists & Artisans in a Traditional Japanese Papermaking Village, Echizen, Japan
Study Abroad: Artists & Artisans in a Traditional Japanese Papermaking Village, Echizen, Japan
2021
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Magna Cum Laude, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Magna Cum Laude, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
2019
Associate of Science (AS), High Honors, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA
Associate of Science (AS), High Honors, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2024 - Present
University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
Mid America Print Council (MAPC) Board Member, Social Media Chair
Artist Talk: Caution: Monsters Inside, University of Iowa, IA
Social Media Liaison, University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
Graduate Assistant, Letterpress Studio, University of Iowa Center for the Book
2023
University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
Instructor of Record, Introduction to Book Arts: Papermaking (Summer Session)
Graduate Assistant, Letterpress Studio
Social Media Liaison
Panel Presentation, NAHP Paper Tides Conference 2023, Providence, RI
Organizer, Japanese Papermaking Festival at UICB
2022
University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB)
Graduate Assistant, Papermaking Research Facility, Coralville, IA
Artist Talk & Demo: Natural Dyes & Kozo, UI Oakdale Campus, IA
Artist Talk & Demo: Nagashizuki, Japanese Papermaking, SGCI Conference, UW-Madison, WI
Assistant to Nicholas Cladis, UICB x RISD Winter Workshop, Oakdale Campus, IA
*20 years prior work experience available upon request
EXHIBITIONS
2024
Caution: Monsters Inside, K.K. Merker Gallery, IA
Cautionary Tales, MFA Thesis Exhibition, University of Iowa, IA
2023
Investigations … Curated, Group Show, K.K. Merker Gallery, IA
Translation, Translation, Collaborative Zine with Translate Iowa, K.K. Merker Gallery, IA
NAHP 8th Collegiate Paper Art Triennial, Cedar Crest College, Evanston Art Center, Morgan Conservatory, Lyndon House
2022
IAPMA Bountiful Harvest Exhibition, UI Papermaking Research Gallery, IA
Artists and Artisans in a Traditional Papermaking Village, K.K. Merker Gallery, IA
MAPC Power of Print Portfolio Exchange, Kent State University, OH
NAHP 8th Collegiate Paper Art Triennial, Cedar Crest College, Evanston Art Center, Morgan Conservatory, Lyndon House
Indigo: Abstraction of Function, K.K. Merker Gallery, IA
Pulp Fiction, Public Space One Pop-Up Exhibit, Iowa City, IA
2021
Long Distance Relationship, Mount Holyoke College Museum, South Hadley, MA
Connections, Virtual Exhibit, South Hadley, MA
In These Times, Virtual Performance & Art Exhibit, MA
Valley Creation Stations Project, Multi-Town Exhibit, MA
2020
Boundaries, Mount Holyoke College, Virtual Exhibit, MA
2019
Arts Beyond Mount Holyoke, Blanchard Art Gallery, MA
Student Art Exhibition, Taber Art Gallery, Holyoke, MA
HONORS, AWARDS & GRANTS
2024
Castagna-Campion Prize for Artistic Excellence, University of Iowa Center for the Book
2023
OVPR Research Grants for the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, University of Iowa Graduate College
GSS/Graduate College Presentation Travel/Virtual Conference Funds Award, University of Iowa
UICB Travel Grant, University of Iowa
Penland School of Craft Full Tuition Scholarship
NAHP Conference Scholarship
2022
CAPS Scholarship, University of Iowa Center for Asian and Pacific Studies
Ladies Typographic Union Grant
Joseph A. Skinner Fellowship Fund, Mount Holyoke College
2021
University of Iowa Arts Fellowship, University of Iowa Center for the Book
Phyllis Walsh Crocker Memorial Scholarship, Mount Holyoke College
2019
Frances Perkins Full Tuition Scholarship, Mount Holyoke College
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Holyoke Community College
Visual Art Faculty Prize, Holyoke Community College
PUBLISHED & COLLABORATIVE WORK
2023
Translation, Translation, Collaborative Zine, Translate Iowa
A Penland Experience, Hand Papermaking Newsletter, October
Michigan II, Poem by Dana King, Prompt Press
Hyozaki On Deep Blue, Letterpress Printed Poem by Koike Masayo
2022
The Echizen Papermaking Region of Japan, Hand Papermaking Newsletter, October
Collazine no. 2, Collage Art Zine, Bologna, Italy