Artist Statement
I am a self-taught artist living at the edge of the Mojave Desert. I draw inspiration from my life in France, Venezuela, and California, influenced by African and Australian Aboriginal people’s artistic traditions, as well as flora and fauna.
My current practice focuses on “picoté”, an art form defined by delicate patterns and textures produced by piercing tiny holes in paper with a punching tool. This unique technique was probably born in France, around the 13th century. I enjoy creating contemporary designs inspired by nature and the human body, imbued with a touch of surrealism. I discovered this art form a while ago. It reminded me of my mother’s embroideries, my mother-in-law’s crochet, and my aunt’s sewing. I feel I am part of this lineage of women as I work in my studio in complete silence piercing holes with my awl.
The physical proximity of punching holes in paper and sewing sequins and beads for countless hours to make complex compositions raises awareness about the meaning of small gestures that could be considered insignificant but act as a reminder of our personal connection with time. I have always connected ecology, and trees in particular, to childhood memories, storytelling, a sense of the sacred, and the female body. I hope my work calls attention to the importance of our personal and physical interactions with the natural world.
I was awarded the Beryl Amspoker Memorial Award for Outstanding Female Artists during the Museum of Art and History’s 2015 Annual Juried Exhibition, Cedarfest.
My work is in public and private collections across the United States and in Asia.
I am a member of Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art and a 2017 Kipaipai Alumna.
