The Books
📚 Altered Books: Art from the Discarded
I work with forgotten books—rescued from thrift stores, library sales, and sometimes even dumpsters—and transform them into layered, expressive works of art. Each altered book begins with careful preparation: pages are reinforced and primed to hold paint, collage, glue, and texture. What follows is a deeply intuitive process, where visual storytelling meets poetic reflection.
I incorporate a wide range of materials—paint, found objects, fabric scraps, pressed leaves, and more—to build each page or spread into a complete, self-contained artwork. Words are just as vital as images. I often weave in my own poetry, or borrow lines from nature writers and dreamers whose voices echo the themes I’m painting. These fragments of text become anchors, guiding the viewer through the emotional and symbolic layers of the piece.
One of my professors once said I’d created a way for people who don’t yet draw or paint with confidence to still make the art they imagine. That insight stuck with me. This process is not only expressive—it’s accessible, joyful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning to explore your creative voice, altered books offer a space where imagination and experimentation thrive.
Original Book Covers
Painting my own book covers isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about embedding my personal narrative into the very first impression a reader gets. I'm not just illustrating a story; I'm shaping how it’s emotionally received.
And with my love for abstract art and meaningful symbolism, my covers carry layers of feeling and intention. Sometimes I weave in magical realism elements like Frida Kahlo did. And I certainly echo some of those protest poster vibes I've explored before.
Each cover I create is more than an image—it's a quiet rebellion, a whispered story, a layered truth waiting to be felt.
📖 Handmade Journals: Art You Can Hold
I create blank journals that are as much art objects as they are spaces for reflection. Each one begins with a hands-on process: I crinkle and smooth every page to give it texture and life, then dip it in Easter egg dye water for a soft, organic wash of color. The pages are dried on absorbent kraft paper for 24 hours, allowing the hues to settle and deepen naturally.
Once dry, I tint the edges with oil ink pads, adding a subtle frame to each sheet. The pages are folded and bound into a sturdy, hand-built book cover with heavy binding. I sew the pages directly into the spine, ensuring durability and a handmade touch that feels personal and intentional.
The covers are finished with embellishments—sequins, vintage jewelry, handmade paper tags, bead strands, and feathers tied to the binding. Every journal is complete inside and out, designed to be both beautiful and functional. They’re made to be written in, dreamed into, and carried through life.
My art doesn’t just decorate—it disrupts, questions, and connects. Every stroke is a stand, every symbol a voice
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