Recent Posts

Art Reflecting Tragedy: Uvalde

Art Reflecting Tragedy: Uvalde

As an artist, I find inspiration in various sources, but there are times when an event impacts me so deeply that I feel compelled to create artwork that addresses the issue at hand. The Uvalde school shooting was one such tragedy that left an indelible…

A Quilled Sunflower: In Memory Of

A Quilled Sunflower: In Memory Of

This design marks the second iteration of this radiant flower, and it holds a poignant story of love and remembrance. Commissioned by a grieving mother, this is a quilled sunflower in memory of her late son. This client also owns one of my fluid acrylic…

A Tale of Two Quilled Rainbow Spirals

A Tale of Two Quilled Rainbow Spirals

A tale of two quilled rainbow spirals begins with my Downeast Magazine features in May of 2022. I was contacted by a woman from MA to make a rainbow spiral. This vibrant and captivating creation has been one of my most popular designs since its inception back in 2015. It is an honor to see this simple yet stunning design adorning walls across the US, Canada, and even as far as London.

The Timeless Appeal of the Rainbow Spiral

The Rainbow Spiral design has stood the test of time, captivating art enthusiasts from different corners of the world. Its vibrant colors and mesmerizing patterns make it a symbol of joy, positivity, and unity. Over the years, I have lost count of how many Rainbow Spirals I have created, but each one holds a special place in my heart as it brings a burst of color and happiness into the lives of its owners.

Honoring the Client’s Vision

One of the most rewarding aspects of creating the Rainbow Spiral is the flexibility it offers in terms of size and customization. From small, delicate spirals to large, eye-catching masterpieces, I take pride in honoring my clients’ visions and bringing their ideas to life through quilled paper art.

The Unexpected Twist

As with any creative process, there are bound to be moments of trial and error. While working on the latest Rainbow Spiral, I encountered a delightful mishap during the first attempt. Instead of the classic round shape, the design ended up as a rainbow square with rounded corners. It brought a smile to my face and reminded me that even in moments of imperfection, there is beauty and humor to be found. The second attempt led to the intended rounder end result, but the memory of the quirky square will forever add charm to this particular creation.

The Global Reach of the Rainbow Spiral

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my artistic journey is witnessing the global appeal of the Rainbow Spiral. From cozy homes in the US and Canada to galleries in London, this design has transcended borders and connected with people from diverse backgrounds. It is a testament to the universal language of art and the power of colors to bridge gaps and spread joy.

Betta Fish Video Tutorial

Betta Fish Video Tutorial

I decided to create a Betta Fish Video Tutorial series on a whim one day in April. The first Betta I made was just so incredibly beautiful and had received so much attention, that I thought it would be worth creating a second one. But,…

Saturn V Double Monogram

Saturn V Double Monogram

Every now and then, an artistic project comes along that challenges an artist to their core while also filling them with immense joy. Such was the case with the recent custom Saturn V Double Monogram I created, combining elements of a Saturn V rocket, the…

Unexpected Artistic Success: My Downeast Magazine Feature

Unexpected Artistic Success: My Downeast Magazine Feature

As an artist, I have been fortunate to stumble upon a myriad of incredible opportunities throughout my career. One such moment of profound honor came when the renowned Downeast Magazine featured my work in a full three-page spread. This unexpected recognition was a testament to the power of passion and creativity, proving that pursuing what you love can lead to remarkable achievements. In this blog post, I am thrilled to share my experience of being featured in the Downeast Magazine and the journey that led me to this unexpected milestone.

A Journey of Artistic Serendipity

Looking back on my artistic journey, I am in awe of how it has unfolded. Becoming an artist was never part of a calculated plan; rather, it was a path paved by following my heart and pursuing what brought me joy. I stumbled upon quilled paper art by sheer chance, and it ignited a spark within me that continues to burn brightly to this day.

The Downeast Magazine Feature

When I received the news that Downeast Magazine wanted to feature my work, I was elated and humbled. The magazine is a prestigious publication that showcases the best of Maine’s art, culture, and lifestyle, and being included among its pages was a surreal experience. The three-page spread not only showcased my art but also delved into the inspiration behind my creations and the passion that drives my artistic endeavors.

Cherishing the Unforeseen

The unexpected nature of my artistic success has taught me to embrace the unknown and savor each moment as it comes. It has reinforced the idea that sometimes the most extraordinary opportunities are the ones we never sought out, but rather stumbled upon along our journey. Cherishing each serendipitous moment has allowed me to approach my art with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Conclusion

The Downeast Magazine feature has been a pivotal moment in my artistic career, reminding me that pursuing my passion can lead to unexpected and remarkable accomplishments. Embracing the unknown and trusting in the creative process has been the key to my artistic journey thus far. As I continue to create and share my quilled paper art with the world, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. This experience has further solidified my belief that doing what you love and finding joy in your work is the ultimate path to a fulfilling and successful career.

Luna Moth Video Tutorial

Luna Moth Video Tutorial

The Luna Moth Video Tutorial series was the first tutorial I created since 2020. It takes you start-to-finish through the creation of a stunningly detailed Luna Moth. Thought the finished product looks very complex, broken down into individual parts, it’s perfect for even beginners. During…

The Mini Quilled Betta Fish

The Mini Quilled Betta Fish

This stunning mini quilled betta fish, with its vibrant colors and graceful movement, captured my imagination and sparked the desire to create a piece that truly showcased the beauty of my original Betta fish, but in a smaller format. A Quilled Aquatic Wonder Creating my…

Visby’s Quilled Paper Portrait

Visby’s Quilled Paper Portrait

I find immense joy in bringing the essence of our beloved furry friends to life through art. Visby’s quilled paper portrait perfectly embodied the lovable and energetic Aussie Doodle dog it was modeled after. Visby’s portrait was the second dog portrait I have created, and it was a delightful and fun experience from start to finish. His unique coloring, fur patterns, and texture presented an exciting challenge, but I was thrilled to see him come together effortlessly.

Visby: A Playful Inspiration

Visby’s portrait was a commission that brought a smile to my face from the very beginning. As an Aussie Doodle, he possessed a combination of intelligence, energy, and playfulness that I was eager to capture through quilled paper art. His unique coloring and distinct fur patterns provided a captivating canvas for my creativity.

A Quilling Adventure on Camera

Visby’s portrait was so enjoyable to create that I decided to document the process on camera. I filmed roughly 40 minutes of his creation and created a sped-up video to share the fun experience with others. This behind-the-scenes footage allowed me to showcase the intricacies of quilled paper art and the creative choices that contributed to capturing Visby’s playful spirit.

Embracing the Challenge

Despite the apparent ease with which Visby’s portrait came together, there were still challenges to overcome. His distinct fur texture demanded careful attention to detail and precision to bring out the unique patterns. However, these challenges were part of what made the creative process so rewarding, as they allowed me to push my artistic boundaries and capture the essence of this lovable Aussie Doodle.

See more animal Portraits.

Work-in-Progress Images

Creating a Quilled Betta Fish

Creating a Quilled Betta Fish

Inspired by a watercolor tutorial by Louise DeMasi, this piece brought together vibrant colors, dimensional details, and a grunge watercolor background, resulting in a stunning and lively representation of the betta fish. Creating a quilled Betta Fish was pure bliss in every way imaginable. Discovering…