51���Ϲ���

Personal Pronouns

She/her

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I’m a multidisciplinary artist. The best part is studio time! But there’s deliveries, installations and receptions. I apply for exhibits, grants and residencies. Submissions often require written responses, artist statements, project plans, images and budgets. There’s P.R.tasks like photographing work, editing digital images, creating and updating websites and social media presence.

How did you get your job?

I’ve had day jobs that may have looked like careers, but my life has always been about art and I’ve never stopped creating. When I became disabled it took a lot of soul searching to fully reject the idea of American productivity and success. Life can be about more than your job or income. I don’t like to think about art as a job, that sounds so tedious, but for this interview, okay, that’s my job, and I gave myself that job. It doesn’t pay the bills and I wouldn’t want it to. I’m not interested in limiting myself conceptually or making a product.

How long ago did you graduate from 51���Ϲ���?

10+ years

Where are you originally from and how did you hear about 51���Ϲ���?

I spent my childhood on a farm in the Minnesota River Valley. As a young teen we moved to Wayzata which was a challenging transition. The first time I visited 51���Ϲ��� I knew I wanted to study there.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Studio arts. I’ve always loved seeing, thinking, painting and taking photographs.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

I’ve had brilliant teachers, and I still talk with them! Judy Stone Nunneley and Terry Schupbach-Gordon for printmaking. David Rich for painting. Rebecca Alm for foundation. Glen Hanson for professional practices. Carol Fisher and Elizabeth Erickson were my advisors. I'd already fulfilled writing requirements at another school, yet Phebe Hanson was willing to meet regularly. Phebe and her poetry will always hold a special place in my heart.
All these mentors were exceptional at their art - technically and conceptually. But it was more: they provided a safe and inclusive place to believe in yourself. We were a community focused on the importance of art in this world. There was concentration on higher level thinking skills like critical thinking, and that’s made for a better life. Last summer I hung out with Judy in Taos, and I always knew she was cool, but somehow love her more than ever.

Describe your internship(s).

I didn’t do an internship, but during my junior year at 51���Ϲ��� I took advantage of an exchange program at the California College of Arts & Crafts. I got to study with legendary Bay Area muralist Malaquías Montoya. Unforgettable.
After graduation, I had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for the 51���Ϲ��� printshop, and to be an assistant to visiting artist Mariam Shapiro. While at 51���Ϲ���, Mariam made one of her famous Punch and Judy prints, this one featuring Frida and Diego. A few years ago, I unexpectedly saw one of those prints in a museum exhibit. I was like, “oh hey, I know that print.”

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

A large leather portfolio to carry works on paper. That was a huge win; I didn’t have one and they’re expensive.

Did 51���Ϲ��� prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

It did and in unexpected ways. I’ve felt fortunate to always have a focus. I learned about rejection and fortitude. A “no” simply means, “how can I do this differently so it turns into a yes?” Or maybe there’s completely different solutions to pursue.

Your biggest takeaway from 51���Ϲ���?

If you’re one of those people who can’t live any other life, don’t question yourself or your sanity. Because that’s society talking, and criticizing your choice not to take the conventional productivity path. Put on your Docs, turn up the music, be you and create. And at some point you’ll notice that you’ve managed to survive while weave a rich and rewarding life through the arts, full of unique opportunities, all while doing something you absolutely love.

What city do you live in?

My primary residence is Tucson, but I spend my summers in Duluth.

What inspires you/your work?

Little and ephemeral things: moments in time, in-between places, fleeting emotions, moving light… But largely in the context of living things and environment. I’m an observer. Those little things are part of enormous things, like the life of a river and how it’s never the same river. How even the tiniest things in nature, like moss, are critically important. The climate events we are seeing because of our everyday impacts on the environment.
For my wellness and for my work I walk daily. I keep a visual walking journal via photographs. I’ve started keeping field notes too - sketching and painting things that catch my attention. I’m mindful of consumption and waste so I don’t work on a bigger project until I’m ready. Things swirl around in my head for awhile.
I’ve become fond of creating a full viewing experience by representing things in different ways, via color, mediums and techniques. I love doing installations. I have a few things going right now that will involve everything from field notes to audio and video.

How do you network yourself and your art?

My day job in online media production was a bonus for my art. I do all P.R. and tech work myself. I can be a hermit, but force myself to go to openings and art events, and once there I always see people I know and have fun.
Getting involved and giving back is excellent networking. I’ve joined cooperatives; held various positions on nonprofit arts boards; taught; worked in arts advocacy, mentoring, curating and archiving.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

I love Minneapolis and while it’s not my hometown, it’ll always be my home city. My senior year I lived in that neat house with the turret on Stevens Ave, right across the street from 51���Ϲ���. I could stay up half the night working at 51���Ϲ��� and then run across the street to be home.

Who are some other alumni we should interview/check out?

I met Sonja Peterson in drawing class at 51���Ϲ��� and we've been friends since. She does intricate and enormous paper cuts retelling stories about our environment.

Who is your community?

I still value a core group of 51���Ϲ��� friends. One on them, Annette Walby, said she thinks of us as “her people,” and I agree. We can get together for a coffee after a long time apart, and immediately delve into new work, new concepts, and life things too. It’s one of those cases where it’s like no time has passed. We’re on the same wave length.

Anything else?

I love my community garden and growing my own food. I live a simple life. As long as I’m surrounded by the arts I’m good.