TC Riverart

Trilliums are the wildflowers that signal for me that spring has officially sprung! We are all invited to begin again, to be reborn, to refresh ourselves…

This mixed media piece is full of surprises! I love the Van Gogh Show announcement from the D. I. A…. the 1950’s LIFE magazine profile and the can of Spam clipping!

Bears are such mysterious creatures. We all LOVE to talk about bear sightings! I’ve only seen a bear in the wild maybe 3 times, (each time at a safe distance).

This acrylic, mixed media black bear has some fun and unique details; vintage bandana, coffee bean bag from Leelanau Coffee roasters, LIFE magazine clippings (can you locate a famous late night talk show host?) etc.…

This kitty is a mixed media superstar! She is created on cradle board with mixed media. Look a little closer for the hidden treasures; denim with hand sewing, 1970’s textiles, vintage book pages and more…

Labs are clearly the best dog breeds on the planet, am I right?

This acrylic, mixed media on cradle board seeks to expose the unconditional love and playfulness of labs. Featured treasures include; Kermit Valentine (1990’s), vintage denim, 1960’s Life magazine clips and antique silks scarf pieces…

Barred Owls are fascinating creatures! I’ve had the honor of witnessing owls rearing their babies in my own backyard! I’ve been enamored ever since.

This metallic watercolor, mixed media acrylic piece features an array of materials…vintage LIFE magazine clips, mid-century textiles, purple Arizona Iced tea can, Spray painted antique purse etc.…

Great Blue Herons are full of mystery with their prehistoric and shy beauty. This big bird is created on a gorgeous piece of vintage Michigan barnwood. His body is comprised of crazy junk drawer curiosities, Archie comic books, bottle cap, vintage butter knife, antique handbag, old maps etc.

Pollinators are crucial to our planet and bumble bees are the perfect “poster child” to represent! You will be hard pressed to find a more charming insect.

This mixed media piece is created on a vintage slab of Michigan barnwood. Scope out some mid - century magazine clippings, “Flower Power” wallpaper from the 1970’s, Michigan license plate and so much more.

This large, mixed media bear is created directly on cedar fencing. Using acrylic paint as a base, there is plenty of discarded treasures to behold! Some of the “not so obvious” items include, cut out station wagon from LIFE magazine, a cut up and flattened SPRITE can, Vintage black velvet and so much more…

Created on an old pine fence, this brook trout beauty is waiting to swim into your home, cabin, restaurant or business!

Full of curious treasures; Sprite & La Croix cans, vintage & African textiles, LIFE magazine clips, 1970’s beaded purse, corrugated metal, coffee bean bags, FORD emblem…

This Great Horned Owl is a warm and friendly raptor. He would love to perch permanently in your home!

Created on top of a very old barndoor, “Dunkin” is filled with a buffet of found and rescued treasures. Search for parts of a Hill’s Brother’s Coffee can, LIFE magazine clips of the Beatles Yellow Submarine, authentic African textiles, hand stitching on denim, and a technicolor embellished rope with vintage recovered goodies…..

This piece is inspired by my childhood hero, Jane Goodall. Her adventurous spirit to fearlessly go to the jungles of Africa to study chimpanzee behavior was so inspiring to me as a kid. At 89 years old, Jane still travels and runs a global youth program called Roots & Shoots (empowering young people to bring positive change within their communities).

“ Hope“ is created on cradled board. This mixed media piece is choke full of salvaged goodies! Along with acrylic paint, there is a vintage Tang ad, authentic Nigerian textiles, Sprite and Bell’s Ale cans, 1960’s curtain sample, antique lace, black leather jacket and rusty tin can shards…

Created on a century old Michigan barnwood board; “Jack” is ready to move right into your treehouse!

This mixed media piece is jammed packed with oddities from the past. Assembled within are salvaged items such as, cut Altoids tin, vintage LIFE magazine pages, super old Maxwell House coffee can pieces and textiles from the 1950’s and 60’s…

Created on a large, 100-year-old barn wood door… this pizza loving, beer drinking raccoon is ready to party! You will discover numerous discarded objects in this piece! Search for; red and black bandannas, PBR cans, DNR logos, mink fur, vintage textiles, hand sewn denim and so much more.

This portrait of spiritual guru, Ram Dass is a mixed media piece on cradled board. The sides of the piece are finished with collage and acrylic paint.

There are so many mixed media items to discover; 1960’s LIFE magazine samples, Monster Energy cans, vintage scarves and book pages…

I have always been inspired by the Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. It was inevitable that a “Frida” painting ended up on my easel! In this mixed media painting (created on cradle board), look for vintage textiles, LIFE magazines, a rusty corona cap, school papers from 1972, hand sewing on denim and more.

This unique mixed media piece is constructed on a century old barnwood plank. These dazzling, mystical blooms would bring joy, warmth and love into any home. Look for repurposed items such as, rhinestone jewelry, floppy discs, 1970’s Girl Scout sash, fish bottle cap, vintage shirts and scarves…

This mixed media stunner pays homage to the precious, recently listed as endangered, Monarch butterfly. Created on large, cradled board, “Amigos” has many intriguing embellishments. The acrylic painting includes, life magazine cut outs, antique book pages, vintage 1970’s scarves, African textiles, faux copper bits…

Monarchs migrate to Mexico each fall and face many challenges along the way.

“Do not Enter” is a mixed media piece created on a unique piece of antique barnwood. It is jam packed with historic goodies, such as LIFE magazine cut outs, vintage 1950’s green tablecloth, braille samples, lace, Wendy’s take out bag bits, acrylic paint, archival ink, and a Michigan map…

This big mama bear is full of oddities and surprises! Her claws are made from scrap aluminum electrical plate. Throughout her fur you will see a Carhartt bandana, cotton Target elephant t-shirt, a variety of vintage textiles, antique book pages, black leather strips, driver license sleeve, Smokey the bear t-shirt emblem…Just too many cool items to mention!

Pollinators play an incredibly important role on our planet. Bumble Bees are clearly the most charming of all the bee species!

The substrate for this mixed media piece is a vintage slab of Michigan barn wood. Scope out some mid-century magazine clippings, 1970’s “flower power” wallpaper, spray painted beaded purse, Michigan license plate, braille sample, black leather scraps…

This fantastic little tree frog is a mixed media piece created on birch wood panel. Surrounded by an intriguing variety of reused and discarded objects, this camouflaged amphibian is painted in acrylic and archival inks. Recycled items include vintage textiles, 1960’s Life magazine clips, Big K lemon lime soda can, antique book pages and blue foil gum wrappers…

This nocturnal beauty is created on a barn wood plank. There is a crazy variety of recycled treasures to spy in this mixed media piece; acrylic, hand sewn denim, ostrich leather, vintage book pages, rust slabs, burlap coffee sacks and a Pabst Blue Ribbon can…

“Charlie’s Seagulls” is a mixed media painting created on a wood panel. The gulls are embellished with impasto technique, beer cans, tomato sauce cans and antique book pages… Throughout the piece you may notice glimmers from multiple metal cans, book pages, burlap coffee sack bits and glossy magazine scraps…

Trash collected from hiking at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is included in this piece.

This peaceful alpaca is created on a custom wood plank substrate. There is an endless array of rescued treasures to discover. This large mixed media piece would be perfect to create a fun and joyful vibe in your space.

Some of the goodies you can find include vintage newspaper, Michigan License plate, Ostrich leather, scarves from the 1970’s, antique textiles, art magazines, tin cans and more…

When you are looking for a sense of calm and peace in a chaotic world…find your dove, she is there.

“Find your Dove” is created on 12 x 12-inch birchwood board. This mixed media piece features acrylic paint, colored inks, national geographic images, cotton “Hippie” skirt, vintage book pages, rockhound’s gauze, tie dye, purple bandana and an Altoid’s tin…

Our canine companions offer us unconditional love and have amazing listening skills. I am grateful for the friendship and instant stress buster in our family pooch!

Created on cradle board, this mixed media piece includes acrylic paint, remnants of a vintage Asian silk scarf, old book pages and magazine imagery.

This mixed media piece (on cradle board) includes acrylic paint, vintage book pages, hand sewn denim, antique textiles and bits of an old “No Trespassing” sign. An image transfer of a Michigan black bear is also included. The pine trees were created by rolling small bits of cotton material. Next, I sculpted the trees in place. We have so many things to be grateful for in this region. On this frigid, cold winter day, I found myself daydreaming of a summer road trip!

This playful, colorful fish is full of joy and optimism! In this large acrylic mixed media work, you will find a vintage coffee can, antique textiles, floppy disks, DVD’s, jewelry pieces… Check for many other upcycled items.

Rainbow trout are remarkably beautiful. I imagine when no one is looking, rainbow’s simply swim around delighted and happy!

This repurposed barn wood beauty has found new life! The red barnwood plank has been salvaged from a 100-year-old Michigan barn. Too many rescued objects to list here…vintage textiles, pizza sauce can bits, Michigan license plate pieces, Bag Balm can section, stained glass, hand embroidery and more.

“Trippy Tendrils” will continue to evoke curiosity with such an abundance of details and found objects. If you have a corner or a funky size wall in your home, you have just found the perfect piece.

Created on an 100 year old Michigan barn wood plank which includes the original roof pitch. "Ostrich Queen" is loaded with recycled treasures! Other rescued goodies include; rice & flour sacks, 1970's bedsheet, vintage scarves, newspapers…

Her namesake comes from a rare Ostrich portfolio from the 1920's. Can you zoom in and see where I've used cut/designed sections?

During the process I kept asking this mysterious woman, who are you? Please introduce yourself! I received my answer near the completion of the piece. Of course...she is noble, humble and quite a courageous woman; she is the "Ostrich Queen"

This is the ideal statement piece for your “Up North” cabin! Filled with tossed away treasures such as; burlap coffee bags, 1960’s wallpaper and a floral bedsheet, 1950’s green plaid tablecloth, tie dye, gingham shirt, worn out Michigan maps, pizza sauce cans, 2019 Benzie county dog tag, neoprene waders, etc.

“Hippy Canoe” is a acrylic mixed media painting on a lightweight wooden substrate.

Celebrating the Spring Equinox’s Worm Moon is more fun when you’re dancing! Many Native American tribes call it “worm moon” because the earth is warming and the worms are popping out of the soil.

This piece definitely has a surreal feel and is jammed packed with found objects. The moon is made with a technique I call “ spit wadding”; where wads of small bits of textiles are dipped into adhesives and placed onto a spot.

Be on the look out for a cut floppy disk, braille samples, image transfer and vintage magazine pages…

There is nothing like it, that first sip of java in the morning! “Rivers and Coffee” brings two of my favorite experiences together. Days that start with a good cup of Joe and catching a glimpse of spirited Michigan wildlife.

The substrate for this work is a century old piece of Michigan barnwood. The angle on the top is the actual pitch on the roof of the barn. Deeply connected upcycled materials were utilized; vintage textiles from the 1960’s, newspaper (1976), black leather jacket and tin can bits…

Although the tiny Chickadee (native to Northern Michigan) is a “feather weight”, her strength and courage are unmatched. No gusty winds will take her off course!

“April Winds” has been created on century old barnwood from Northern Michigan. This mixed media piece includes acrylic paint, antique lace, vintage black leather, discarded tin cans, Chevy truck metal and more…

“OM” is a mixed media piece, created on a one hundred year old Michigan barnwood board.

The diagonal on the top is the original roof line. This expression is my response to the meaning of the word “OM”. You probably learned in a yoga class somewhere that “OM” translated means the hum or the sound of the universe.

Acrylic paint, mirrored glass, neoprene, vintage fabric …

Dogs live in the moment and so should we…

This mixed media piece is on cradled board with acrylic paint. Search for vintage textiles and torn painted book pages.

This series includes 5 panels with acrylic paint and mixed media embellishments. Newspaper samples from 1977 are used throughout the work. Additionally, vintage textiles such as lace, silk and cotton have been integrated.

There are a total of thirteen words used throughout the series that are associated with the conservation efforts of the Great Lakes Piping Plover population. These magical birds call Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes their summer home. Unfortunately, Great Lakes Piping Plovers are currently on the endangered species list. As of February 2021, the Great Lakes population is at about 70 nesting pairs; (Vince Calaveri, Wildlife Biologist USFS, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes).

Check out the “bling” on the legs of the Plovers (even the chick). The bands play a critical role in the efforts to protect and monitor these exquisite Lake Michigan shore birds. The bird bands on the artwork are cut from plastic lids, a pizza sauce can, orange metal stool and a silver wine label.

Created on a century old barnwood plank; “Trippy Vine” is loaded with upcycled textiles from the 1960’s and ‘70’s. This piece has groovy bohemian embellishments, such as embroidery, rescued jewelry and junk yard car parts. The acrylic paint unifies the spirited flower power vibe. This skinny little number would be perfect for a hallway or nook.

“Screech Face” is an acrylic mixed media piece created on cradled board. This little raptor is loaded with vintage textiles, coffee bean bags, plastic lids, tin can bits, rusted bottle caps, reclaimed antique stained glass…

“Sandy” is also an acrylic mixed media piece. She is a plethora of vintage textile scraps; lace, a scarf and a worn out bandana! Sandhill Cranes can be viewed throughout Michigan. This majestic and prehistoric birds appearance is no accident. The oldest sandhill crane fossil is 2.5 million years old; (songbirdprotection.com/ sandhill cranes)

What is not to love about a Merganser? These fetching ducks appear to have more fun than any of the other majestic waterfowl inhabiting our local waters. They can often be seen drifting playfully down a river or just chilling on a sunny rock. The female Merganser stands out in a crowd with her radical, reddish - orange mohawk that pops with color!

This piece was created on a timeworn farmhouse cupboard door. In her “mohawk” and other areas you’ll find vintage 1970’s fabrics. Check for some other goodies; burlap coffee bag bits, slate pieces, hand stitched areas, a worn-out leather wallet, acrylic paint with some areas with impasto.

In learning about the seven basic Chakra’s, I begin with the Root Chakra. The Root Chakra’s meaning is very much self explanatory; it’s those things that make you feel grounded and safe.

“Root Flower” is created on cradled board with acrylic paint. This mixed media piece utilizes upcycled treasures such as; rice bags, denim, Bag Balm can etc..

This piece is full of retro reminders; image transfers of 1960’s TV, men in busines suits, vintage textiles and “flower power” wallpaper bits. One thing remains the same for so many homes is the beloved family dog!

When seeking guidance, we often look to nature. Nature calms our soul and helps clarify our path forward.

This small piece is created on cradled board. It is mixed media; acrylic paint, linoleum block printmaking and vintage book pages…

Are you feeling the “flower Power” vibe? This may be a smaller work but there is plenty to see! “Just Be” is a mixed media acrylic painting. You will discover vintage fabric, wallpaper samples, 1960’s and 70’s newspaper clippings and more…

I am interested in exploring techniques that get to the soul of flowers. There is magic, memory and a surreal quality in the life of a single bloom!

This piece explores texture using vintage silk, cotton tee shirt samples and tossed away jewelry bits. Look for antique lace embellishments plus deep green stained glass shards. Acrylic and enamel paint is used throughout.

This little pair is all about fun, color, texture and Dashhunds!

Dogs, by nature have colorful personalities and that colorful vibe is represented in each piece. Fragments of textiles, pieces of tin can metal and acrylic paint on cradled board make up this pooch set

Does this scene look familiar? “Sun Bath” is inspired by the Sleeping bear sand dunes, where the mouth of the Platte river meets Lake Michigan. If you look to the right, you’ll see it! “Sun Bath” strives to encompass that warm, deeply comforting sunlight that washes over us and rejuvenates are senses!

Entirely created with discarded Michigan treasures; vintage clothing scraps, pizza sauce cans, old washers, hand sewn & painted denim… The piece is created on the surface of a century old chunk of barnwood.

River Woman was inspired by our cold, flowing, trout filled and oh so seductive rivers of Michigan. This piece includes many discarded objects, such as; vintage denim and fabric, metal from signs and license plates, maps, leather jacket, old ruler, slate, antique stained glass…

The support for the piece is unique and quite special. “River Woman” is constructed on an old farmhouse kitchen cupboard door.

“Root to Rise” is created on a scrap of century old barnwood. The work is a scavenger hunt/mixed media piece. Look for, yellow tin can bits, blue and green stained glass, broken plate glass mirror, etc…

This piece is inspired by my yoga practice and the ancient study of the seven main chakras. Each chakra color flows through this work.

Dogs of our past often stay in our hearts for a lifetime. How many of us remember our first dog? Some of us wish we had a dog. This canine offers 1970’s vintage fabric and magazine image transfers. Keep looking for bonus items infused in this piece. No kibble or vet bills when you bring this pooch home!

Believe or not, the model for this piece lived by the side of Rattalee Lake Road for at least a year. I would drive by that old tree and on most days he would be in his spot. I wanted to share this little Screech owl with you all in a big way! The scale is my favorite part of this work. The owl is constructed on a very old barn door, complete with the squeaky hinge still intact.

“In the Eddy” Mixed Media 48 x 12 inches

I am truly humbled to be celebrating such a gorgeous and mighty bird. This Great Egret is built upon a century old salvaged barnwood plank from lower Michigan. Embellishments of reclaimed treasures include; vintage 1970’s textiles, slate, stained glass, scrap metal and more.

We have so many fascinating bird species in Michigan. Woodcocks are one of my favorites! These earthworm eating, funky walking fowl are also called Timberdoodles. Woodcock forage for food often at dusk , hence the evening scene. This woodland creature has found a perfect perch.

You may spy black lace, upcycled shoe leather, sterling silver jewelry recues and brown bandana pieces.

This sand, sun and water loving beagle is all about fun! Scan this pooch and find a Carhart label, vintage textiles and black rubber tire scraps and more!

“It was only a dream” is a small work but packs a punch with it’s detail! You will discover vintage fabrics, book pages and leather from recycled shoes. I dream of a better world everyday. Do you dream in color?

This psychedelic crane-like creature is comfortably constructing her nest on the head of a woman. “Nest Woman” brings together a fantastical weaving of a sultry female and her avian sister. I invite you to draw out what you wish from the work. “Nest Woman” is a mixed media piece created on a century old plank of barnwood from Michigan’s thumb region. Take yourself on a scavenger hunt and seek out embroidered denim, vintage silk scarf, sewn discarded VHS tape, long locks of black leather jacket (lovingly sacrificed for the project), retro Orange Crush T-shirt, Chevy truck metal, repurposed cotton “hippie” skirts, scraps of an old screen door (sewn into with embroidery flossing) , driftwood from Otter Creek beach, Acrylic paint and more…

I love the 70’s ! This little number is literally a mini time machine to the days of flower power and shag carpeting. Check for vintage fabric, jewelry, magazines and discarded leather purses and belts.

Take this piece home and enjoy a slumber party every night!

This piece features vintage “Austin Powers” shelf paper, 1970’s fabrics and metal from Chevy trucks. You may also observe handsewn areas that include sewing with video tape.

I’m fascinated by the communication between dogs and their people. Sometimes dogs and people appear to be using their own unique language. Who am I kidding, maybe the long, loving looks into your eyes is only about that turkey sandwich you are about to bite into!

One might argue that an artist shouldn’t have a favorite color, but I have one. Green is my favorite, always has been. My old green “Rocket Dogs” clodhoppers were saved from the landfill. They are now a part of “Green Screech”. Be on the lookout for vintage fabric, stained glass and Native American inspired designs in this small yet mighty piece.

Inspired by a foxy, fluffy feline named Nellie , “Allie’s Cat” emerged. Included in this piece are bits of antique lace, acrylic paint {with/without impasto) salvaged shoe leather, recycled window screening, electrical wire and so much more!

If a cat will allow you the privilege, take a gander into their incredible eyes. To look into a cat’s eyes is like looking into an alternative universe.

This is one BIG fish my friends! I must admit, I love working large! You will find a plethora of mysterious scraps in this sparkly fish! Keep a look out for tempered glass, metallic treasures from trucks and more, a weaving from old flour sacks and so on….

The found wooden pieces were carefully selected to form this mighty King. Hand embroidery is used to add specks of color and texture. Vintage fabric was dipped in special glues and helped create the water movement. Metallic and acrylic paint unifies and embellishes this lovely king salmon.

Milkweed pods hold magical powers. The approach I’ve taken for “Milkweed Woman” is not scientific but more dreamscape vibe. Those seed parachutes drift silently and silky, like mysterious alien fairies.

See if you can locate recycled leather jacket scraps, painted papers, embroidered denim and Chevy truck parts…

This bright-eyed Screech Owl has found his home in a salvaged barnwood plank that is at least 100 years old. Take a “visual stroll” through the work and locate ;an old farm sickle, orange chair metal, burlap coffee bean sacks, vintage hankerchiefs, 1970’s shelf paper and so much more…

If you take the time to really look at a tree, it might just offer you a splendid story. “Twisted Tree Woman” is inspired by a mystical tree that provides shade and shelter to the banks of the Platte River in Northern Michigan.

Twisted Tree Woman was created on a 82-inch by 16-inch century old barnwood plank. You will discover repurposed soul in this mixed media assemblage. Search for Lake Michigan driftwood, vintage fabric and upholstery, antique beads and stained glass and so much more.

I once knew a cat who was so cool that he was indeed the KING of all cats! I not only deemed him KING, this cat is coronated with Basquiat’s crown. This piece honors a cool cat and an amazing artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

There are many interpretations of the “crowns” that Basquiat used in his paintings. I choose the theory that Basquiat wanted to empower himself as a great artist. Don’t we all need to put on our “crown” and reflect on our greatness from time to time?

This small work features; embroidery on denim, vintage fabric, recycled shoes and metallic acrylics.

Pictured are a few highlights of sold (large scale) work.

24 x 72 inches - fish “Boho Coho “, purchased from The Platte River Inn, Honor, Michigan

48 x 48 inches - dog “Eagle Beach”, purchased from The Higher Art Gallery, Traverse City, Michigan

60 x 30 inches - owl “Who cooks for you”, purchased from The Higher Art Gallery, Traverse City, Michigan