NATURAL PIGMENTS

WOODCUT

SCREENPRINT

My work honors the tradition of making dyes and inks from natural pigments, a practice grounded in thousands of years of knowledge and a deep connection to nature. Cochineal, an insect that feeds off the prickly pear cactus, creates rich purples and reds. Yellow ink and dye are produced from marigolds, and quebracho, a type of tree whose bark has many applications from leather tanning to medicinal uses, results in a warm tan color.

Woodcut, and relief printing in general, have been at the center of practice for many years. I enjoy the meditative process of carving a block as it forces the artist to embrace imperfections in the carving process or on the block itself, while screenprinting is versatile and provides instant gratification.