Hello from Providence!
Truly cannot believe it is almost April. I’m writing this in my comfy chair in my sunny studio, on one of the first spring-y days of the year. It seems like I was just wrapping up teaching from last summer, but somehow I’m already prepping and planning for Alaska 2023. Time is flying by and this update is very overdue. Gonna touch on a lot of things, so feel free to skim! This is going to be slightly more of a highlights reel than I might normally write.
Upcoming & Ongoing:
Embodied Geology Residency with Erratics
Santa Fe Art Institute, April 2023
Lots going on with Erratics! Among other things, we have been planning and organizing this artist residency for over a year now and I’m so excited to be there soon. Together as Erratics, we have invited 6 other artists to join us at the Santa Fe Art Institute in April. As a group, we will explore ways that sensorial, embodied methods are conduits into the often opaque realm of earth science, creating space for the geophysical, artistic, and somatic fields to coalesce. Read more here.
Girls* on Ice Alaska
Fairbanks-based, June 2023
I will be returning for my second summer teaching with Girls* on Ice Alaska (part of the Inspiring Girls* Expeditions umbrella) on the Gulkana Glacier. This summer I am co-lead instructing with my 2022 co-instructor, 10/10 tent mate, stellar friend, and incredible mountain guide, Keeley Rideout. We just selected our participants (all Inspiring Girls* Expeditions are free, yes FREE, for teens!) and I can’t wait to meet them. The program is amazing to work with, and I have loved getting to continue that relationship throughout the year. I am behind on website updates, but for now you can see more from last summer here.
We are still searching for another science/mountaineering co-instructor for Girls* on Ice Alaska 2023! If you know anyone, please pass them along. More info here.
Juneau Icefield Research Program
Juneau-based, July 2023
Coming back for year 5 on the Icefield with JIRP. I have continued to work on the Academic Council throughout the year, and have recently been focusing more on developing new interdisciplinary, creative programming with my close friend and longtime collaborator, Elizabeth Case ( we met on JIRP in 2018!). Hopefully more on that soon. Last summer I spent my time on the ice as the academic co-lead (with brilliant and fun pal Kiya Riverman) and had the most amazing time teaching; I co-led an creative research project called Story of a Rock, taught field sketching and cyanotype printing, and facilitated interdisciplinary fieldwork that turned into a student-led presentation at the yearly national geoscience conference…! Again, I’m behind on website updates, but see more JIRP 2022 here, here, here, and here.
Creative Retreat with Little Nights
Upstate NY, October 2023
I’m excited to share that I've been planning a weekend creative retreat in upstate New York this October, co-led by my dear friend/super talented writer/Little Nights & Clube Motte founder, Josh Krigman. We have been dreaming about this for years and we’re really looking forward to getting it off the ground.
This retreat is intended for anyone at any stage in their artistic practice, and no prior writing or visual art-making experience is necessary. On top of meals, transportation, and two nights upstate as the leaves start to turn, the weekend includes writing and visual art exercises to get your creativity flowing, time to share in a community of like-minded folks, and the opportunity to connect with nature and explore your process with experienced facilitators.
If that sounds like it might be of interest, please fill out this non-binding survey as we continue to plan! I am so jazzed that it is finally happening.
Recently:
All The Things
The past six months I have been working super hard behind the scenes to better define: a. all the things I do as an artist/educator/designer, b. the way these work streams weave together, c. how I want to partner with people, organizations, and institutions, and d. how I communicate my work and goals in a more proactive, outward-facing way. Erin Elder (Gibbous Creative) has been an invaluable resource and source of support through this process.
The result of this work is a PDF that serves as part project proposal, part manifesto, part CV. It’s a more in-depth look at what art projects I’m working on, how to work together, and/or the frameworks I have developed for working at the intersection of art and science. I’m actively looking for support and partnerships to make some cool things happen! :) Check it out!
Storyroot
I have been working with Storyroot – a small communication studio specializing in environmental and social impact strategy - since January 2022. I officially came on as the Design Director this fall, and have loved having the stability (hallelujah, good health insurance!) and collaboration that comes from being part of such a small, dynamic team (there are only 4 of us right now!) I work ~4 days/week during the year, 10 months/year to accommodate my teaching/art schedule. I have been learning so much about this field and am appreciating being able to flex other parts of my brain, especially around educational design, data visualization, and science communication.
Directangle Press Residency
I spent a week in December with my Oakland pal Zach Clark at his (very lovely, very generous) friend Josh’s printmaking residency program in Bethlehem, NH. I made a new riso-printed Glacier Codes Chart, we ate ice cream from Super Secret Ice Cream down the road – I also very conveniently do design work and illustration for SSIC! – took some beautiful walks in the snow, and played with Josh’s sweet pup.
See more about our time at Directangle here / read more about the art here / purchase a print here.
Public Art in Oakland
After two years, my public art piece was installed last summer at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. Atlas (after Anna) is a large-scale public art installation on the facade of the Center for Environmental Studies. The artwork consists of multiple abstract maps that reflect the school’s unique location amidst the Bay Area’s rich natural systems.
Part of the project included creating educational engagement, and I spent a week onsite at O’Dowd in October teaching blind contour drawing, cyanotype printmaking, and indigo dyeing workshops. Developed in collaboration with Isabel Rodriguez-Vega, Sustainability Programs Manager, and Michael Downs, Director of Justice and Kinship, the series of workshops guided students through interdisciplinary learning in the Living Lab school garden, exploring how scientific study and artistic expression can foster care, curiosity, and community.
Life things:
Gonna keep it short, since this email already feels so long and winding. Some highlights: Danny and I got a (very cute and also very chaotic) cat named Goose. As mentioned above, we also got a studio! I pinch myself every time I’m in there, it is HUGE and beautiful. I have started painting again, but am feeling too shy to share any of that yet. I also started playing soccer again (so fun)! Still on a long and winding health/chronic pain journey through the US healthcare system (not so fun).
In general, I feel much more settled in Providence and continue to love the small town vibes mixed with city charm and salty coastlines. One of my besties came to stay with me here for six weeks this winter and it was dreamy. Highly recommend moving here if anyone is looking to make the jump. :)
If you’ve made it this far in this email, thanks for your very generous attention. That’s all for now! Sending love and care to you and yours.