In the Studio
Golden Natives
of Pennsylvania
These pieces are a celebration of native plants (weeds and otherwise) in watercolor on gold panel. Whether attracting pollinators, holding soil in place, or filtering out groundwater toxins, these indigenous plants are representations of Wharton Esherick's idea that, "Nature is always the BEST artist."
Cyanotypes
Capturing Art in Nature
One of the first forms of photography, cyanotype printing uses chemical derivatives of iron that when combined with water become sensitive to UV light. My mother, a textile enthusiast, and I teamed up using the cyanotype process to capture images of wild grasses, ferns, hollies and other natural wonders on fabric. We're now turning them into lasting art pieces in hopes of brightening your day!
The Newfoundland Coast
Natural resources, particularly maritime ecosystems, are an inspiration to me. Here are some seascapes of the Northern Atlantic done in oil that have helped me cultivate my own environmental stewardship.
Good Luck
Hex Signs
Hex signs are a cultural signature of Pennsylvania representative of the rich Germanic heritage that can be found on historic barns in the eastern part of this state. While some believe our Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors painted them for good luck, others maintain that they were painted merely for decorative purposes highlighting the beauty of the surrounding nature.
This modern hex piece was commissioned for my godfather Lane Schultz, a Schwenkfelder descendant. The custom black stallion design flanked in a vibrant red field pays homage to his service with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the Vietnam War. The gold diamonds represent his successful career as a Ph.D. Geologist, and the gold echinacea blooms pay tribute to the gardening talents of his wife Sandy, my godmother.
Majolica - Schuylkill River Style
If I could time travel, I'd go back to Renaissance France and seek out Bernard Pailssy, "Potter to the Queen," Catherine De Medici. If he'd have me, I'd be his apprentice in a heartbeat. This gifted scientist/artist made generous contributions to the earth sciences during his day, contributing some of the first correct hypotheses about fossilization and the water cycle . He also opened his "cabinet of curiosities" to the public in Paris, making it the first public science museum in the world. I could go on for years about this eccentric Heugonot, revered by the royals, died as a martyr in the Bastile during the Protestant Reformation.
Palissy's Majolica, hand-built earthenware pottery, incorporated the flora and fauna of his region. This artform was his passion and learning his story has made it a passion of mine. How incredible it was for me to learn that the small majolica industry here in America was focused in Phoenixville in the 1800's and helped this young, gem of a town grow and thrive. My pieces, created at the Diving Cat Studio, thanks to help from Markels Roberts, are inspired by the Schuylkill River Watershed - where I love spending time exploring and learning with family, friends, students and even dogs!
Watercolor Vignettes
These little things are what got me started all those years ago in my first studio at Ursinus College under the supervision of accomplished art professors Theodore Xaras and Barbara Zucker. While many people love to use watercolor with lots of fluidity, I like to use them a bit more precisely. Whether I'm stomping around the fantastic Renningers Farm in Royersford, PA or looking for shells on Dewees Island in SC, this paint medium brightens any day of mine!