let me introduce myself
My journey with paper flowers began in 2009, when I wanted peonies for my November wedding.
Unfortunately peonies are not in season in November and were prohibitively expensive. So, with little more than a Martha Stewart tutorial, I set about teaching myself how to make paper peonies. About two months before my wedding, I was laid off from my job as an Urban Planner at an engineering firm and dove headfirst into making flowers from morning to night. I ordered crepe paper from Germany, and tried out hundreds of techniques to get the paper to have the shape and feel of a real peony. I ended up making hundreds of peonies to decorate my reception. At my wedding, none of my guests realized that the flowers were paper until they touched them or tried to smell them. To this day, my wedding peonies are still around - in the houses of my friends and family and in my own house.
Ten years later, while trying to think of a unique gift for my cousin’s wedding, I remembered how much I loved making the crepe paper flowers for my wedding and Crepe Flora was born. I have since expanded my portfolio to include a garden’s worth of flowers, and have recently pushed my art forward - exploring how to turn the craft of paper flower making into true sculptural pieces - studying the entire plant from root to bulb to flower - and exploring how to create movement and personality within my plant sculptures.
about my art
As an artist who finds profound joy in the delicate interplay between nature and human creativity, my work with paper sculptures of flowers and bulbs is a testament to my deep-rooted love for gardening and a lifelong dedication to sustainability, regenerative design and urban planning.
Gardening has always been a source of inspiration and solace for me. The act of nurturing plants, watching them grow, and witnessing their seasonal transformations is a reminder of nature's resilience and beauty. This passion for gardening seamlessly transitions into my art, where each paper sculpture is a celebration of the intricate forms and vibrant colors found in the natural world.
My educational and professional experience in sustainability, urban planning and design has profoundly shaped my artistic practice. I am committed to creating art that not only evokes the beauty of nature but also respects and preserves it. My studies have equipped me with a deep understanding of ecological principles and the importance of sustainable practices, which I integrate into every aspect of my work. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to employing techniques that minimize waste, my approach to sculpture is deeply informed by a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Through my paper sculptures, I aim to capture the essence of flowers and bulbs, highlighting their fragility and strength. Each piece is meticulously crafted to reflect the delicate balance and intricate patterns found in nature. By choosing paper as my medium, I emphasize the ephemeral quality of life, encouraging viewers to appreciate the fleeting beauty that surrounds us.
My work invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and consider the impact of their actions on the environment. It is my hope that my sculptures inspire a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature and a deeper commitment to sustainable living.
In a world where the environment is increasingly under threat, my art serves as a reminder of the importance of harmony between humans and nature. By blending my love for gardening with my expertise in sustainability, I create sculptures that are not only visually captivating but also carry a message of hope and renewal.