Midwest Motifs Series | 2020-2023 

acrylic, embroidery floss, glitter, thrifted prints, linocut prints

Farmscapes, landscapes, pheasants, and whitetail deer are celebrated subject matter in South Dakota, my home state, and this series draws from that. 

These motifs that represent the Midwestern lifestyle are a predominant subject matter in my work. I remove these motifs from their familiar presentations and attempt to evoke an object of reverence, drawing from the style of Byzantine icon paintings. The vibrant colors, embroidery, and glitter are intended to juxtapose more realist elements and depictions. South Dakota’s tourism and economy rely on the local wildlife for stability, revering them for the income and people they bring to the state every year. My work aims to engage viewers in reflection on how we can be stewards of the land and local wildlife to ensure their success, as well as our own.