a note to the sea.

With my eyes closed,

I crave the salty sea.

The essence that lingers.

It’s the softness, yet the harshness.

It’s the romance, yet the drama.

It’s the push and pull.

It’s the lightness and the dark.

The depth and the shallowness.

Sweet memories are fleeting with each crashing wave,

But the stain of the sentiment remains.

Because the sea,

It craves you too.

_

Seaside is a collection of abstract paintings that explore my boundless admiration of the sea. 

The creation of this body of work has been in progress for quite a few years. I craved intentional time to explore what the sea meant to me and how I can highlight its beauty with natural painting materials, many of which were foraged near the sea itself. Each trip, near or far, has been documented with videos, photos, and plein air painting sessions to capture different elements that inspired me. Collections of shells and rocks, delicate observations of sea creatures and vast varieties of kelp all contributed to color studies. Translating into each color thoughtfully dancing together in the balance of warm and cool tones; movements that are both soft and moody, just like the sea.

Every abstract painting is created entirely with natural materials. Using nature as a medium has fueled my passion for highlighting its infinite color spectrum, and for raising awareness to our societal need to confront climate change. Each painting utilizes foraged plants, natural earth and shell pigments, and other repurposed materials that has been crafted into artistic ink/paint for capturing the sea in its truest essence. The beauty of these pieces is the material itself. As each handcrafted color of nature moves and meets another, a new moment is created that feels free and organic. As I am letting nature dictate the course of each painting, I am guided to practice patience, embracing quiet moments, and intuitively trusting the process.

With every sea inspired painting, my deepest hope is that it brings you a sense of calm, peace, and healing. I hope you’re reminded of salty seaside memories that bring you warmth and nourishment. Lastly, I hope that next time you are near the seaside that you take time to be intentionally present and close your eyes to take some deep salt-filled breaths - for the soul.

collection insights -

Inspiration: Craving of the sea, salty skin, fond weekend memories near the sea, searching for treasures (rocks, shells, kelp) near the seaside, peace, calm, healing, bare feet in the ocean, soothing meditations, long summer days, deep breaths, low tide magic, stormy seas, familiarity of the sea no matter where you are.

Process: Most of the painting materials were foraged in Alaska and hand crafted in my kitchen, and all are handmade in the most pure and natural way. For this collection, my main focus was to incorporate sea inspired inks along with my favorites. I love the contrast of the cool and warm tones dancing together, just like the sea.

Natural Inks: after flower petals/berries/plant material is cleaned and dried it goes into the boiling pot. Then the process of color extraction begins (most cooking time varies between 1 hour to 4 days), the mixture gets strained and a natural binder/preservative is added. Experimentation and color development of this color palette began early 2019.

All color combinations include these handmade natural inks:
- foraged Alaska blueberries (Hatcher Pass + Powerline Pass areas)
- foraged Alaska Queen Anne’s Lace (Seward Area)
- Floral Inks: Marigold Leaves, Rose Petals, Butterfly Pea Petals
- avocado stone ink
- hibiscus tea ink
- madder root ink
- inks from extracts: indigo, cutch, lac, logwood, weld (sustainably sourced)

Natural Earth Pigments: derived from the earth, made into powder form and mixed with either a water-based binder or oil binder. Experimentation and color development of this color palette began early 2019.

All paintings include a combination of handmade inks and earth pigments.

Framing: Each stretched canvas is framed in a beautiful maple floating frame making it the perfect compliment to highlight nature’s beauty.

My Passion: Four years ago, I made it my goal to create art in the most natural and sustainable way possible. Through many endless days researching, experimenting, failing and showing up again - I am beyond proud to present the “Seaside Collection” to you. The textures, colors, movements of each of these pieces have so much depth and feeling. The way the colors work together to become one leaves me truly speechless. I hope each piece that you decide to invest in becomes part of your home, your daily routines, grows with you and reminds you of the precious beauty around us.