I was driving home on the beltway one day when I approached what I thought was my exit onto the Dulles Toll Road, but I did not recognize the landscape. The large grove of trees, which had long resided on the hilltop, had been completely cleared. The effects were so disorienting I would have missed the ramp entirely were it not for the exit ramp sign.

This experience inspired me to start photographing the extensive construction projects in Northern Virginia from the car window. I am intrigued by the tension between the beauty of creation and the priorities of man. My artwork depicts this intersection. I focused on documenting the Phase I extension of the Metro to Reston and the addition of the toll lanes on I-495. As time went on, I collected thousands of photos which inspired this group of artwork.

Constructing Haiku combines my interest and appreciation for Chinese and Japanese artwork, which I have long been drawn to, and utilizes my recent studies of sumi-e and shodo. This marriage of styles creates an ironic and entertaining perspective. The noisy and disruptive impact of construction is presented within a serene landscape created with the tranquility of a Japanese brush painting, simulated woodcut print, or contemplative  three-dimensional painting. I have continued my use of recycled materials in new ways informed by ancient Asian design patterns.

I am excited to work with my husband, Steve, once again. As a seasoned sound engineer and musician, his sound elements enrich the gallery experience and add depth to the creative atmosphere. He has taken construction recordings, such as a jackhammer, and transformed them into music evocative of a Japanese tea house.

The artwork I create addresses concepts of consumerism, stewardship, and the paradox of independence/dependence within our societal landscape. These themes are developed further through the use of recycled and re-purposed materials. I feel compelled to paint these contemplative landscapes because they speak to me of the delicate balance we walk with nature, and with ourselves.