Where am I from?

Good question, and one I get asked often. I was originally born in Chicago, but my family moved around a lot while I was growing up. I've lived in Minneapolis, Houston, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Lawrence, and now, I’m back in Chicago—full circle!

How has moving shaped who I am as an artist and a person?

Being the new girl over a dozen times taught me how to adapt quickly. Introducing myself, navigating unfamiliar places, and finding a way to fit in became skills I had to master. Art was the one subject I thrived in no matter where I was—it allowed me to express myself and gave me confidence. As I got older, I realized that all this moving helped me become highly adaptable. I’m comfortable taking risks, stepping out of my comfort zone, and embracing the unfamiliar.

Where did I get my degree?

I earned my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) in spring 2020, with an emphasis in Textiles and a minor in Cultural Anthropology.

How did graduating during COVID affect my career?

Before COVID, I had plans to move to Spain to teach English for a year (which is still on my list of dreams), but like many, my plans changed overnight when the world shut down. I moved back in with my parents and spent two years in Kansas City. During that time, I worked as a waitress and, like so many others, was trying to figure out what direction to take. A life-changing trip to Costa Rica in March 2022 helped me realize I needed to move to Chicago and focus on pursuing my dream of being an artist.

When did I move to Chicago, and what have I done since then?

I packed up my loom and my life and moved to Chicago in September 2022. Since then, I’ve purchased a second loom, immersed myself in the art world, worked as a gallery assistant, collaborated with other artists, attended model camp in New York, worked as a full-time yoga instructor, and sold my art.

When did I decide to start modeling?

Modeling has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Fashion and photography have always fascinated me. It wasn’t until March 2024 that I finally took the plunge and started freelance modeling. Since then, I’ve been working on building my portfolio and hope to continue this journey.

What kind of art do I make?

Currently, I’m focusing on weaving, with a bit of painting mixed in. My pieces are meant to be framed and hung, quite different from traditional weavers who often make functional pieces like blankets and pillows. I’ve always been passionate about wall art and interior design, and I thrive in creating pieces that elevate and transform a space. In my free time, I enjoy painting with watercolors and doodling. Being an artist extends beyond weaving for me—it influences every part of my life, including modeling, where I express myself through movement, styling, and makeup.

Where do I get my inspiration?

Color is always my starting point. As a color enthusiast, I’m constantly drawn to shades that catch my eye while I’m out in the city, and I jot them down to spark new ideas. Architecture and cityscapes play a big role in my inspiration too—since weaving is so geometric, I’m constantly drawn to the shapes and lines of the urban environment. Beyond that, I find inspiration in the people I meet, the fashion I observe, and the art being made around me.

What is my creative process, and how do I stand out as a weaver?

I’ve always been a bit of a rule-breaker. In weaving, I never wanted to get caught up in perfectionism. I love when things go “wrong" on the loom—it makes the piece feel more raw and real. In school, I remember my classmates getting upset over a single thread being out of place. For me, focusing on perfection would have restricted my creativity and individuality. Instead, I embraced the imperfections. My professor at the University of Kansas, David Brackett, who sadly passed in 2021, encouraged me to explore the ruggedness and rawness of my weaves. He told me, “Once it’s off the loom, it’s cloth—you can do whatever you want with it.” That idea led me to experiment with cutting, deconstructing, and reconstructing my pieces. Every piece starts with an open mind and a willingness to let the work take me wherever it wants to go. When the weave comes off the loom, the real magic happens. That’s when I begin to cut, sew, and paint, letting myself play with no rules or mistakes in sight.

Do I consider yourself a conceptual or process artist?

There’s often a distinction made between the two, but I don’t believe you have to choose one over the other. For me, the concept behind my work is about evoking an emotional response, though I don’t dictate what that response should be. My art also carries an ethical dimension, as I prioritize using repurposed and recycled materials in my work, striving to create in a resourceful way. Beyond that, I leave the interpretation to the viewer. My process is labor-intensive and intentional, and I hope that people can appreciate the craftsmanship and time involved. Ultimately, the meaning behind my work is meant to emerge through personal reflection. I encourage viewers to interpret it in their own way, allowing the piece to resonate with their individual experiences and emotions.