portfolio
portfolio for art therapy application
1. HEATHEN 2025
This piece is my first installment of a new series dedicated to investigating and expressing my experiences with OCD. The 25 1.5’’ x 2’’ wooden crosses were meticulously covered with seed beads. Growing up in a Catholic household had an immense impact on my perceptions of morality and obsessive fear of death. The individual placement of each bead and quantity of crosses represents this scrupulosity.
The three dark crosses at the center symbolize my relationship to the religion from childhood to adolescence. Over time, however, I have developed my own spirituality to better fit my personal ideals and find comfort and peace, where I had previously found fear and despair. This growth corresponds with the surrounding colorful, plentiful array of upright crosses, and the way in which the process has completely transformed the visuals and texture of them.
2. PLACE MATS 2024
These sets of place mats are an exploration of indigo dye and stand as a testament to my artistry in weaving. Each set contains four total place mats of uniform and consistent execution. Utilizing high-quality fiber and vibrant indigo dye, these placements bring a rich, natural elegance to the dining table.
The simple weave structures and limited use of color found in these placemats contribute to their timeless and sophisticated appeal. This carefully curated collection speaks directly to my desire to create inviting spaces where people can connect meaningfully with one another, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for an artistic medium that is often overlooked and taken for granted.
name, 2024
handwoven, hand-dyed indigo cotton, ‘x’
name, 2024
handwoven, hand-dyed indigo cotton, ‘x’
3. BAPTISM BLANKETS 2024
This collection of handwoven blankets was created as a gesture of love and celebration for my three nieces. Each blanket was carefully crafted with care and intention, symbolizing the importance of family, faith, and tradition. The weave structure used throughout the blankets represents the connection between the sisters. The differences in color and sequence represents their own unique personalities.
The process of hand weaving each blanket is an expression of the devotion and support my nieces receive from our family. Engaging in the rhythmic repetition of weaving allowed me to reflect on the importance of continuity, dedication, and love. My hope is that these blankets will be a cherished heirloom that they will carry with them as they go through life.
kynzlee, 2024
handwoven cotton, 30’ x 30’
emberlee, 2024
handwoven cotton, 30’ x 30’
hadlee, 2024
handwoven cotton, 30’ x 30’
4-6. EPHEMERAL THREADS 2023
This series of blankets utilizes the waffle weave structure, a dimensional grid pattern that is warm and absorbent. The blankets provide both a functional and whimsical presentation of the protection, comfort, and care transmitted through family heirlooms.
Baby blankets are practical for warmth, but they can also become a sentimental attachment for a child to cherish for years to come. The process of handcrafting these blankets uncovers the considerations behind the tangible record of my earliest moments in life and the intention to reconnect to my past self.
The interactions between vibrant colors and threads of various thickness create a playful and childish energy. My work creates an intimate setting by focusing on comfort and care through handmade processes.
strawberry, 2023
handwoven cotton, 29” x 29”
blueberry, 2023
handwoven cotton, 30” x 31”
citrus, 2023
handwoven cotton, 30” x 30”
7. SENIOR THESIS: BLANKETS 2023
My senior thesis concentrates on the material culture of childhood and memory, and is both a functional and whimsical presentation of the protection, comfort, and care transmitted through family heirlooms.
I began by analyzing my own relationship to my baby blanket - that I still have – and thinking about how to make textiles that could take on importance and meaning. Baby blankets are practical for warmth, but they can also become a sentimental attachment for a child to cherish for years to come. There’s a purpose for every material object provided for a child.
My work creates an intimate setting by focusing on comfort and care through handmade processes like hand-dyed yarn or intensive embellishment. The process of handcrafting such pieces uncovers the considerations and intentions behind the tangible record of my earliest moments in life.
baby shoes & bottle, 2023
thrifted baby shoes, baby bottle, seed beads, dimensions variable
baby blanket: rosepath, 2023
hand-dyed cotton, mercerized cotton, 33” x 33”
baby blanket: binary, 2023
hand-dyed cotton, mercerized cotton, 35” x 35”
8. POLISH POTTERY BEDDING 2023
Throughout my childhood, my mother has been building her impressive collection of Polish Bolesławiec pottery. In this bedding collection, I seek to connect our Polish heritage to the symbols that hold significant meaning in my life. The design above is a digitally drawn and rendered pattern featuring common motifs found in Bolesławiec pottery, specifically intended for bed sheets. Below are two throw pillow designs that serve to complement the overall bedding aesthetic. On the left, the pillow titled "home" depicts the house in which my parents first lived in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, where I was born. On the right, the pillow named "belle" captures the likeness of our beloved family labradoodle, Belle.
home, 2023
hand drawn, digital media
belle, 2023
hand drawn, digital media
9. WATER TOWELS 2022
These towels were my first foray into the intricate and fascinating art of hand-dyeing. Inspired by the many ducks gliding across Madison, Wisconsin’s iconic Lake Mendota, the herringbone stripes mimic the iridescent and vibrant feathers of the mallard. Each color was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the serenity of the beautiful lake and the significant role that Madison’s lakes have played in shaping the city’s rich history.
As one of my first major weaving projects, I learned how to produce art through the medium of weaving. I aimed to create pieces that not only pay homage to the craft’s heritage, but also invite new dialogues. This project showcased my growing skills in sequencing and color interactions, demonstrating my ability to enhance basic weave structures through these strengths.
towel, 2022
handwoven, hand-dyed hemp
towel, 2022
handwoven, hand-dyed hemp
10-15. BOOK WEAVING 2024
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In my art practice, I consider small projects such as book weaving to be an essential part of my creative journey, serving as my form of sketching. As one of the very first exercises in my first weaving classes, I decided to continue this practice as a thoughtful way to reflect on my personal engagement with the stories, ideas, and materials that shape and influence my creative process.
The act of weaving physically integrates the tactile experience of making with the mental exploration of reading. This weaving process allows me to slow down and immerse myself in what I read more intimately. I am also able to be more playful and experimental with my use of materials and pattern. Ultimately, my practice of book weaving serves as a testament to my intellectual and physical connection to my love of reading and passion for art.
hallowe’en party by agatha christie, 2025
gone girl by gillian flynn, 2024
winter in sokcho by elisa shua dusapin, 2024
cinder by marissa meyer, 2023
turtles all the way down by john green, 2022