My practice centres on nature and human connections with the natural world. As an interdisciplinary artist I use a number of printmaking techniques as well as mixed media, collage and design from repurposed materials. Collaborating with nature in the creation of art is an honour and a humbling experience. Drawn to experiences in and with nature since childhood I find it to be more than an enduring subject, it is a relationship of reciprocity.
The gyotaku series looks at human relationships with fish from cultural, symbolic and ecological perspectives.
Gyotaku is the traditional method of printing fish, originating from Japan in the 1800's. It was a method for recording a fisher's catch. My aim is to approach the gyotaku in a sustainable and respectful manner. Using non-toxic ink the fish is printed on traditional Japanese rice paper or cotton. In some instances the fish is cleaned after printing and prepared to be eaten. In other cases I have chosen to print invasive species. I have modified a selection of gyotaku to canvas with the intent of creating variation and immediacy through composition.
I primarily work with gyotaku because it fits well with my interest in printmaking and my interest in nature. I am attracted to the hands-on connection with various species of plant and fish—there’s such variety of form and texture. I also appreciate that there is minimal equipment required and respect that the work is always a collaboration.
As a unique method of recording fish and marine species, gyotaku allows for a direct connection with the species that is not available through photography or painting.
Each gyotaku is a reflection on our human connection with nature. They are a reminder that we share the planet with all living species and that as humans we have a responsibility in recognizing the value of the natural world. It is my my intention that these works honour that life and its habitat.
My work is available through Teichert Gallery in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Harvest Gallery in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Send me an email to inquire about purchasing and shipping details.
Gallery Exhibitions and Installations
2023
Elevate, Open Space ARTSPLACE, Annapolis Royal, NS
2022,2023
Fall/Spring Exhibition Teichert Gallery, Halifax, NS
Elevate, Annapolis Royal Hstoric Gardens, Annapolis Royal, NS
2020
Object Histoires: Eyelevel Printed Matter Exhibition, Various Locations in NS
2020, 2022, 2023
Press, Harvest Gallery, Wolfville NS
2022, 2007 - 2019
Annual Acadia Art Exhibition, Acadia University Art Gallery, Wolfville NS
2020, 2019
PreShrunk Exhibition, Argyle Fine Art Gallery, Halifax NS
2018
Sustainability Installation with Students, Noggins Corner Farm Market, Greenwich NS
2016
Apples - Exterior Installation with Students, The Noodle Guy, Port Williams NS
2009
Between the Pages; The Artists's Book, Corridor Gallery, Halifax NS
Small Large: Experiments with Scale - Visual Arts Nova Scotia, Acadia University Art Gallery, Wolfville NS
The 4th Annual Great Pumpkin Mosaic, Harvest Gallery, Wolfville NS
Journey, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Canning NS
2007
The Secret, Argyle Fine Art Gallery, Halifax NS
New Faces, Nova Scotia Art Sales and Rental, Halifax NS
Canada Day Berwick, Outdoor Site Specific Installation using 5000 apples, Berwick, NS
2006
A Gathering of Visions - Recent Works by Nova Scotia Printmakers, Acadia University Art Gallery, Wolfville NS
Prints 2002 - A Benefit for the Honolulu Printmakers, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, Hawaii
Self Portrait Exchange Portfolio - Honolulu Printmakers and the Hui No'eau, Honolulu Academy of Arts - Honolulu, Hawaii
September 11 Memorial Portfolio - The American Print Alliance, Online and Travelling Exhibition
2001
Impressions - Honolulu Printmakers Annual Open Studio, Honolulu Academy of Art, Honolulu, Hawaii
Show 2000 - Canadian Artists Living in Japan, Canadian Embassy, Tokyo, Japan
1998
Responses, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax NS
Press Gang Show, NSCAD Anna Leonowens Gallery 11, Halifax NS
Printorama - Printmaker's Exhibition with Dan O'Neil and Bob Rogers, NSCAD Anna Leonowens Gallery 1, Halifax NS
A13 + Foundry Group Exhibition with Dennis Gill, Cumberland County Museum, Cumberland NS
1996
Nature Reflected, Solo Exhibition Anna leonowens Gallery
1995
From Clay to Silver - Foundry Exhibition with Catherine Ross, NSCAD Anna Leonowens Gallery 11, Halifax NS
1994
Printorama - Printmaker's Exhibition with Ed Porter and Bob Rogers, NSCAD Anna Leonowens Gallery 11, Halifax NS
Education
1993 - 1998
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Interdisciplinary)
1991 - 1992
Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology
Art Fundamentals
Art Education and Community Engagement
2023
Gyotaku Workshop, Fisheries Museum, Lunenburg NS
Paint The Town, Annapolis Royal, NS
2022
Interdiciplinary Art Workshops (6 Weeks) Valley Community Learning Association, Kentville, NS
Art and Nature Summer Camp, Booker School, Port Williams, NS
Gyotaku Workshop, Harvest Gallery Wolfville, NS
2012 - 2018
Art Specialist, The Booker School, Port Williams NS
2006 - 2023
Private Workshops and Lessons, Private Art Studio
2008 - 2013
Art Instruction, Wolfville Recreation Department
Art Instruction, Port Williams Elementary School
Art Workshops for Children, Wolfville Farmers Market
Art Instruction for Camps and High School Development Workshops, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
Summer Art Program Development, Kentville Farmers Market
Art Workshops, Horton High School
'Art and Nature' Summer Camp Development, Acadia University
Art Workshops, Grow with Art Program, Acadia University
2007
Director of Programs Community Outreach and Galleries, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
Publication and Sponsorship
2017-2023 Fisherman and Scientist Research Society Annual Sponsor - Gyotaku Donation