The Writing on the Wall

As I look back on my work over the years, I can't ignore one thing that has stayed constant- my use of text as a design element. In high school and college my fine art included handwritten poems or random text, smudged but readable, working with shapes and color, to create the final image. My professional work became product-based, but the materials I use, mostly vintage where possible- sewing patterns, cardboard packaging, vinyl banners, calendar tea towels- enable my love of text.

I draw inspiration from artists like Margaret Kilgallen, who loved graffiti and folk art, and Sister Corita Kent, who twisted pop culture logos into meaningful social statements.

Here are some examples of how I use text in everything I make.

Letters cut from used Tshirts create text on my handmade zipper pouches.

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     My logo is a collage I created from pictures of signage I shot around Montclair.

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My friends and family save cardboard packaging for me to use in products like books and gift card holders.

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Vintage calendar tea towels are one of my favorite materials to use for a variety of products from zipper pouches, to bird ornaments, and coaster sets.

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My signature products are zipper pouches stitched to look like cursive lettering on notebook paper. I stitch the paper lines on my machine, then I hand embroider the words, and then I make the zipper pouch. I'm very proud of this product line!

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I create any letter of the alphabet with paper pulp and plastic molds. When the letter has dried I decoupage them with vintage sewing patterns.

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