Rooted in Tradition, Grounded in Nature:
A Mindful Approach To Fine Art
I’ve always been drawn to the feeling of being in nature — within the trees, under the sky, among the clay — and it’s important to me that my art is intimately connected to the earth that inspires it. My process plays on that intimate connection by using a careful, mindful approach to creating art, where every step is done with intention and eco-consciousness at the heart. Embracing both innovative and time-honored methods, all united in honoring the Earth.
Sourcing:
Every piece begins with a sense of exploration—guided by what the land offers beneath my feet. Whether I’m walking the banks of Lake Travis or foraging through the hills of Austin, I search for rich colors and textures that only nature can provide. This slow, intentional process allows me to connect deeply with the materials, honoring what the Earth offers without taking more than needed.
For pigments that aren’t found locally, I seek out rare, earth-derived colors from around the world—always choosing sources that share a commitment to sustainability and integrity.
Processing & Mediums:
Drawing on the techniques of our ancestors, each foraged element is carefully transformed by hand into sustainable art materials. Using traditional tools like the mortar and pestle, I craft natural paints, inks, pastels, and charcoals—each becoming the foundation of my work.
My process blends ancient and natural methods, including glair, tempera, and watercolor, each bringing subtle variations in pigment tone and texture.
Glair and Tempera are age-old painting techniques that date back centuries and were famously used by artists like Van Gogh. Made from different parts of the egg, these paints are completely non-toxic and environmentally conscious when created using locally sourced eggs.
Natural Watercolor is made using foraged tree sap and raw honey, which not only bind the pigments but also preserve the integrity of the color.
Inks feature prominently in my work, crafted from locally gathered oak tree galls and acorns. These natural tannin-rich sources produce rich, lasting inks that deepen the connection between the land and the artwork.
Sealing & Finishing:
Paintings are sealed using simple, natural materials like egg and water—offering a final, gentle touch from the Earth herself before it ventures out into the world.
Through every step—from foraging raw materials to handcrafting natural pigments and sealing each piece with care—my work is a tribute to the Earth’s quiet wisdom and enduring beauty. By blending ancestral techniques with local, sustainable resources, each artwork becomes more than a visual experience; it’s a conversation between past and present, nature and maker. In honoring the land, I aim to create not just art, but a deeper connection—to the materials, the process, and the world we share.
Photography by Angela Doran