I’m interested in observations of the natural world and human interactions with it.  By creating scenarios and objects that investigate our linked means of survival, I’m hoping to instigate a curiosity and camaraderie in what it takes to be alive. 

A large part of my practice is researching specific plants and the ways they grow in their environments. This research is usually a combination of scientific methods (using field guides, consulting with botanists, or visiting the Herbarium to study specimens) and more organic methods (sketching, observing, or just marinating in that particular place or around that particular plant and absorbing).

The University of Arkansas Herbarium was a huge inspiration for this work. Their methods of cataloging and recording what plant species are growing where at and when, became a fascinating way to show place, time, and get a wider understanding on a specific species of plant.

All the work here is centered around Andropogon gerardi (Big Blue Stem) a tall prairie grass that stands four to eight feet tall. When you enter the prairie landscape it’s one of the only things that greets you face to face, as it’s oriented with the same veriticality of the standing human form. 

There's something potent about this grass species (in general) but particularly to me as it's native to local remnant prairies here in Northwest Arkansas as well as to the prairies in South Dakota. This grass has become a link to make sense of where I’m at now and a way to further connect with my heritage on my father’s side as an Oglala Lakota of The Oceti Sakowin Oyate (The Great Sioux Nation) of which I am a citizen

Remnants Pressed 1-3

80” x 24” (x3)

Pressed Andropogon gerardi, Arches Watercolor Paper, Archival Tape, Oak Frames, Walnut Splines

2024

Gathered and pressed using the large plant press over the summer with Botanist Sarah Nunn, while traveling to several remnant prairies across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. 

Bypassing the standard Herbarium parameters of being folded and pressed to fit an 11x17 sheet of paper, here they are seen mounted and pressed in their full erect glory. 

Remnants Rest

Closed: 78” x 24” x (variable) 

Open: 78” x 60” (with straps extended) x (variable)

Cast Bronze, Copper Rivets, Pressed Andropogon gerardi, Oak Slats, Copper Rivets, Blotting Paper, Thread, Foam, Cardboard

2024

Laying in a freshly cracked plant press made specifically for Andropogon gerardi’s  size specifications, each method of preservation rests next to each other; the cast bronze Andropogon gerardi, and the pressed Andropogon gerardi itself.  

These specimens were gathered with permission, right by my apartments on an unprotected viable remnant prairie. The articulated sections speak to the hand humans have had in this grasses decimation but also the hand it could have in its restoration.