My latest abstract fiber art focuses on the tragic losses of the 21st century, specifically the local and world-wide impacts of human-induced climate change and habitat fragmentation on the extinction of bird species, and death of indigenous languages. The feathers in my textile paintings, sculptures and installations are fabricated from recycled plastic that is silk-screened with images from my drawings of endangered birds.

My portfolio contains drawings of over 40 highly endangered birds, which I create at residencies around the world. My feathers are overprinted with text in endangered languages such as Shorthand, Yiddish, Purepecha and other indigenous languages, whose last living speakers/users are in steep decline. Using plastic feathers embeds a layered narrative that addresses the relentless consumerism driving the loss of both bird and human habitat.

I have thus been able to use my prior experience and training in wallpaper and textile design in the service of broad ecological and cultural concerns, while maintaining a fiber sensibility. My surface design training at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City deeply influenced my artwork. Even today, materiality, traditional women’s clothing and environmental concerns are all evidence of my early exposure to textiles.