Butterflies and Moths

Artist Statement

The wildlife of the taiga biome and its surrounding ecotones has always evoked wonder in me. Originally spurred by visits to the North Shore, I am fascinated by the mystery, hardiness, and quiet beauty embodied by northern creatures.

In the Taiga Series, I capture this sense of wonder. I create graphite drawings and mixed media pieces that depict these creatures, using the soft, shadowy texture of graphite to accentuate their ethereal nature, and pastels, colored pencils, and textiles to bring their vivid colors and textures to life. Through a personal visual language of patterns and symbols, I depict not just their physical form, but also the emotions, memories, and meanings they inspire in me, placing them in imagined settings.

As a whole, the series portrays an alternate taiga-like reality where nature and imagination intertwine. The resulting imagery invites viewers to reflect on the natural world and what that world might stir within themselves.