Pieced together in writing, woodworking and drawing, I create art works that build into a moment of reckoning.

Influenced by my conservative Christian and rural libertarian upbringing, I am interested in reclaiming rules, strictures, rituals, devotionals, and repetitive acts. I use research, both tactile and visual, as well as writing to flesh out the important space that objects of daily use occupy in my own queer life and relationship.

Objects like:

Clothes and textiles that signify interests or armor
Perfumes that transport the wearer
Facial + body jewelry, and body modification
Blindfolds, cuffs, clamps, needles, oils and lube
Notebooks of notes or drawings or samples
Books, and passages read

I go to lengths in my practice to display materials and processes that signify existing in a queer body, both sapphic and gender-fluid. A body which moves as a politically queer entity, and is at odds with the white supremacist and conservative Christian indoctrination in which I was raised. Closeted until nearly thirty years old, this environment created in me a life filled with high contrasts:

faith and doubt
reward and punishment
cruelty and mercy
atonement and trespasses
violation and obedience
control and surrender
pain and pleasure
despair and salvation
isolation and connection
pure and stained

My materials exhibit a sensibility that is tied closely to the freedom I’ve found in unconditional queer love- within myself, in partnership with my spouse Loren, with the members of our chosen family and community, whom we choose, daily, to pour into. Now, I take pains to take care of my neighbor. I take great pains to act. I take great pains to love myself and others unconditionally— which does not mean blindly, obediently, or without accountability.

I embrace a sense of style that makes me feel empowered and connected to myself, and to my community. I make the rules now. I am the decider.

I decide on:

hand made, crafted objects for use
leather
dark blue light / low light
goth makeup
caribiners
work wear and work boots
tattoos
strong hands and arms
eyeglasses chains
perfume
blood
razorblades
salt water
music consuming me

This queer body is my grotto— it’s secrecy, it’s cleansing eroding waters. On days, it’s earthen smell. On others, the close scent of opium, or patchouli. On others, the sharp smell of lemon, or jasmine. Most days, the bright, honey and bitter scent of neroli.

I let the tide crash into me, carve me straight through with its wildness. The rose bushes and their long thorns catch my clothes. The sand scrubs my skin raw. The wind fills my nose with salty air and I can’t think at all.

In this punishment, I am released.