WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
I grew up in Savannah, but have spent most of my adult life in Rome, GA. I was a professor of chemistry at Berry College there until last year when my husband and I moved to Augusta. I’m now part time at AU, which allows me time to paint and punch needle.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
Sometimes I start the process knowing what I want to paint or punch needle, and other times, I know what colors I want to use and go from there. I research the main focal point and I do a few sketches until I’m happy with what I have. For punch needle, I typically do one layer of paint before I start the punch needle parts and once I’m done punching, I’ll go back in with paint and add more layers until the cloth is covered.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Most of my work is inspired by nature or somewhere I’ve traveled. My happiest moments in life are typically when I’m either outside or traveling (ideally both). I’ve also always been really fascinated with maps, so that has become a part of my art as well.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I have over 8 years of experience in puppetry. A few years ago, I played the part of Milky White in my community theater’s production of the musical, “Into the Woods.” Milky White is a cow and it involved wearing a backpack and moooooving around on stilts.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
I really like all of the local shops. For example, my favorite store downtown is Art on Broad. The owners are so lovely and I enjoy seeing the work of local artists.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
Until recently, my creative efforts have always been dedicated to chemistry. My research specialty is in the design and synthesis of molecules for use in pharmaceuticals. I’ve never had the time to focus this creative energy in a more traditional “artistic” effort. I love that mistakes don’t matter. I can paint over it or re-punch that area. It’s nice to play around and have fun knowing that these artistic “experiments” are really just that – fun!

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
I would advise others not to take themselves so seriously. It’s hard to do when one’s identity is being an artist. But I think there’s so much artistic freedom that comes with letting go.