On November 9–10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed a series of pogroms (a Russian word meaning “to wreak havoc, to demolish violently”) against Jewish populations in Germany and other recently incorporated territories. During this initiative, more than 30,000 Jewish males were rounded up, arrested, and taken to concentration camps where hundreds died […]
THREE GRACES
Over the years, I’ve accumulated a substantial stash of art publications that I always thought I’d re-visit but never have. Challenged to part with them during a recent studio purge, I ended up tearing out a lot of pages for future collage work, and those tear sheets inspired me to move […]
ENTANGLED
I so enjoyed working with the momigami process that I created this work, which measures 145 inches high by 7 inches wide. I wound the long, narrow piece into a cluster, prompting the title “Entangled.”
STICKS AND STONES
This series began as a lament over the deterioration in the tone of public discourse in our nation, but it evolved into a broader exploration of the impact of language in all human relationships. Each of the paper collages in the 43-piece collection pairs stick-and-stone images with quotations that invite reflection on the profound significance […]
TREE OF LIFE
In conversation with parishioners of First Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI, about creating a design for their worship space, someone remarked that the congregation’s first building had been “down by the river.” That comment brought to mind the words of Ezekiel 31:7: The tree was beautiful in its greatness, in the breadth of its branches, […]
VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS
This collection was inspired by the beautiful, powerful prayer to the Holy Spirit that dates back to the thirteenth century. Known as the “Golden Sequence,” the prayer has been spoken and sung across the centuries and in a host of languages. The words of Veni Sancte Spiritus gives voice to the longings of God’s people in every time and place for the Holy Spirit to be active within and among us, enlivening our discipleship and empowering our engagement in God’s work in the world.
The collection was commissioned by First Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI.
THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE
Created for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Worship Blog, this design is intended as an intersection of the pillar of fire that guided the Hebrews in their journey to the promised land, the flames of fire that appeared on the heads of the early disciples at the first Pentecost, and the Prayer of the […]
ADVENT JOURNEY
Created for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Worship Blog, this design gives visual expression to the lectionary texts for Advent Year A (2018). On Advent I, Jesus speaks of “signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars” and urges us to “stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” […]
TREE OF LIFE – LENT YEAR B
This digital Tree of Life design was created for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Worship Blog for denomination-wide use during Lent Year B (2020). Encouragement will be offered for using it in conjunction with the Lent Year B stanzas of Marty Haugen’s “Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery.” The design will be made available […]
GINGER ESSENCE
This small vessel was coiled with variegated floss over recycled plastic twine and embellished with a piece of scrap wood.
ALPHA AND OMEGA
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. [Revelation 21:6] This design, inspired by Jesus’ words in Revelation 21, reminds us that, in every time and season of life, we reside securely in the knowledge that ours is a God of every time and every season. This spiral design for this […]
SABBATH REST: SAND, SUN, SEA
[69 inches high by 34 inches wide by two inches deep] This work grew out of my experimentation with stitch-weaving fibers of various materials, weights, textures, and finishes through jute soil-erosion cloth. I was mesmerized by the meditative nature of the slow, laborious stitching. As I worked, I would periodically hold the fabric up to […]
Pandemic: DISORIENTATION
[73 inches high by 24 inches wide] This work depicts the disorientation that I experienced, not only through the spread of the COVID 19 virus but also through the absence of a coordinated national response to the virus, offer clear and concise communication about the gravity of the pandemic, embrace scientific wisdom and counsel, […]
Pandemic: TOLL
[73 inches high by 24 inches wide] This work speaks both to the enormity of the global death toll attributed to the COVID-19 virus and to the continuing death toll as the pandemic rages on. I created this work on a disaster blanket (originally used in prisons and immigration detention centers) using yarn to hand-stitch […]
NAUTILUS POMPILIUS
[10 inches wide by 15 inches high by 7 inches deep] This work was created using improvisational coiling techniques in combination with hemp twine, rope made from recycled plastic bags, and a repurposed basket.
MANDATUM
[Basin: 15 inches wide by 15 inches high by 4 inches deep; Ewer: 9.5 inches wide by 13 inches high by 3 inches deep] This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [John 15:12, NRSV] On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of his disciples as a […]
LOVE UNKNOWN
[12 inches wide by 69 inches high] This hand-woven work, inspired by the hymn “My Song Is Love Unknown,” was created from repurposed and altered paper (musical scores) and decorative threads in combination with a fabric background.
LET JUSTICE ROLL
Let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. [Amos 5:24] This work is an abstract interpretation of a waterfall that prompts at least three possible interpretations. Its inspiration is three-fold: a reference to the longings of the prophet Amos (see above), to the incarnational waters of Jesus’ birth (when justice and […]
LEMNISCATE
[13 inches wide by 11 inches high and 13 inches deep] This vessel was created using free-form coiling techniques on a repurposed basket base.
I AM THERE
[23.5 inches wide by 23.5 inches high] For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. [Matthew 18:20, NRSV] Waste from the floors of India sari manufacturing facilities, silk fibers harvested by workers from that waste, and yarn spun by workers from those fibers were combined with Eco-Fi felt […]
ENCIRCLED: A LIFE IN STITCH
[35 inch high by 35 inches wide] Created from a collection of free-form, hand-stitched squares, this work used reclaimed materials and found objects to reflect a variety of fiber-related techniques. The squares, which reference personal life themes, form an abbreviated autobiography.
CONVOLUTION
[17 inches wide by 11 inches high by 3 inches deep] This abstract, three-dimensional work was created using free form coiling techniques and rope made from recycled plastic.
CAPSULUM RADIOLARIA
14 inches wide by 14 inches high by 3 inches deep This three-dimensional vessel was created using recycled water-bottle caps.
BELONGING
[23 inches wide by 11 inches high by 1.5 to 3.5 inches deep] Rediscoveries of discarded blue jeans, materials inherited from my grandparents, and found/saved objects inspired creation of some free-form, hand-stitched squares. In realizing they were somewhat autobiographical, I assembled them into this book form.
A TREE RUNS THROUGH IT
[23 inches wide by 11 inches high by 1.5 to 3.5 inches deep] Rediscoveries of discarded blue jeans, materials inherited from my grandparents, and found/saved objects inspired creation of some free-form, hand-stitched squares. In realizing they were somewhat autobiographical, I assembled them into this book form.
ANGELOPHANY
[83 inches high by 39 inches wide] Scripture describes angels as spiritual beings who serve God by conveying messages from God to humankind, foretelling special acts of God, serving as God’s agents (guide, guard, comfort, protect, etc.), and praying/interceding on behalf of humankind. This work depicts the role of angels as guides, guards, protectors, […]
ABUNDANCE
[24 inches wide by 24 inches high] I came that all may have life and have it abundantly. [John 10:10, NRSV] This work employs hand coiling techniques to depict the five loaves and two fishes that demonstrated the abundance of God’s provision.
PSALMS – PSALM 90
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] All our days pass away. They are soon gone, and we fly away. [Psalm 90] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even my understanding of God. Although sometimes painful, those examinations […]
PSALMS – PSALM 86
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] Show me, O Lord, a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame. [Psalm 86] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even […]
PSALMS – PSALM 44
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? Rouse yourself, O God, and come to our aid! [Psalm 44] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even my understanding of God. Although […]
PSALMS – PSALM 31
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] I have passed out of mind as one who is dead. I have become like a broken vessel. [Psalm 31] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even my understanding of God. […]
PSALMS – PSALM 25
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. [Psalm 25] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even my understanding of God. Although sometimes painful, […]
PSALMS – PSALM 13
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] How long must I bear pain in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all day long? [Psalm 13] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even my understanding of God. […]
PSALMS – PSALM 12
[18 inches wide by 12 inches high] The faithful have disappeared from humankind. They utter lies to each other, with flattering lips and a double heart. [Psalm 12] As the year 2020 unfolded, I was prompted to examine my beliefs about myself, about my neighbors, about the world around me, and even my understanding of […]
LAMENTATIONS – THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] On either side of the river is the tree of life, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. [Revelation 22:2] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations, led by my […]
LAMENTATIONS – TEARS IN A BOTTLE
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] You have kept count of my tossings and put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? [Psalm 56:8] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, during my participation in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector, I received […]
LAMENTATIONS – MOTHERLESS CHILD
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] I will not leave you orphaned. John 14:18] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector. As we considered the plight of widows and orphans, I recalled a time some years ago when, […]
LAMENTATIONS – A STRANGE LAND
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? [Psalm 137:4] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations that helped me to name some of the losses I was experiencing. During that time, as increasing […]
LAMENTATIONS – IN THE SHADOW
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] In the shadow of your wings, I will take shelter. [Psalm 57:1] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector. During this time, I became especially aware of times when I would momentarily […]
LAMENTATIONS – LET MY PRAYER RISE UP
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] Let my prayer rise up as incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. [Psalm 141:2] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector. During this time, the […]
LAMENTATIONS – ENDLESS SONG
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector. As the Lamentations study drew to a close, I was surprised to discover that my visual reflections touched on the five elements associated with the […]
LAMENTATIONS – AS A MOTHER
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you. [Isaiah 66:13] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector. During the study, references to mothers and children recalled one of my […]
LAMENTATIONS – ALPHA AND OMEGA
[16 inches wide by 20 inches high, brushed aluminum] I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning, and the end. [Revelation 21:6] Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, I participated in an online study of the Book of Lamentations led by my associate rector. This study heightened my awareness of the universal need throughout history […]
TREE OF LIFE – ALLELUIA!
40 inches wide by 70 inches high This digital design was commissioned as a banner for Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, MO. Genesis speaks of the Tree of Life in the garden that held the knowledge of both good and evil and that became the vehicle from humankind’s fall from grace. The prophet Ezekiel declares that […]
REAL OR FAKE?
21 inches wide by 46 inches high Inspired by the continuing rhetoric surrounding “fake news,” this work combines folded strips of discarded newspaper pages with burlap (a fabric used in ancient days to show remorse for one’s sins) and coarse hand stitching to express conviction that, whether the news is “real” or “fake,” our […]
SO TEACH US
21 inches wide by 34 inches high My maternal grandparents were wheat farmers in Western Kansas. During the winter months, my grandmother quilted and crocheted, and my grandfather wove rag rugs. SO TEACH US combines felted wool that my grandfather had cut into strips for his loom with crochet thread from the stash my grandmother […]
GRACIOUS GREETINGS
35 inches wide by 13 inches high (installed dimensions) Several decades ago, I had the privilege of living in Okinawa, Japan, for three-and-a-half years. Inspired by memories of the graciousness displayed by our Okinawan neighbors, these three small works reference the three most-common Japanese greetings, as determined by the time of day: Ohayō Gozaimasu (Good […]
NO WHERE TO HIDE
[46 inches high by 21 inches wide by 5 inches deep] They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. [Genesis 3.8] Born of […]
TIES THAT BIND
14 inches wide by 72 inches high This tapestry was commissioned by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, IN, in honor of the ministry of its retiring pastor, the Rev. Dr. Marcus Felde. Referencing the hymn by John Fawcett, the tapestry incorporates folded hymnal pages of 42 of the congregation’s most-beloved hymns (one for each year […]
SPRING THAW
12 inches wide by 13 inches high This abstract work, constructed from dye-painted newspapers, became a sign of hope for spring.
