At the heart of my work originates from the American method of drawing known as the Zentangle. They are intricate woven black and white patterns in combination with repetitive dots, lines, curves, and swirls. I’m inspired by the complex fractal nature and its correlation with the origin of the Zentangle art form. This process deeply informs my work because it’s intertangled with these ideas of intricate line work, repetition, creatures, and mandalas. When Zentangles are put in combination with my black & white illustrations it reminds you to breathe. A form of art therapy practice to enhance relaxation and focus, which is the purpose behind the Zentangle practice. A purpose I also imbed upon my intricate designs which led to my whimsical family of creatures. 

    My creatures contain sensibilities throughout structures of horns, tentacles, eyes, swirls, mushrooms, bodies, tongues, drool, and antennas. Within these structures I immerse this repetitive process of Zentangling allowing to create a cohesive combination and transition between the drawing and its repetitive patterns. This transitioning and combination allow for this intense complexity which brings a memorizing and hypnotic aura. This hypnotic state enhances relaxation, calmness, and focus which is experienced and embedded within my Illustrations because it’s art therapy.

    With this in mind, I incorporate playful colors such as pastels, primaries, and color opposites because of how my drawings relate to the meanings enacted by the childlike simplicity of a color book. As illustration is the basis of my work I implant these drawings within textile-based objects like home goods. This is seen within my textile designs where I create fabric digitally or for textile printing to be used for other retail-based merchandise such as wallpaper, bedcovers, cups, or pillows. Allowing for my complex Zentangle inspired illustrations to be experienced by the viewing audience so they to can become memorized by this form of art therapy and intense intricacy.