Joy Spark No. 007
Mixed media on paper • 10 x 10 inches • September 21, 2026

Made while watching the film True Grit with my son, who had recently read the book for a school assignment.

About the Series

Joy Sparks are products of my evolving artistic process. The looseness in these works is something that did not come easily or naturally to me at first. In the past, I have wanted to control my work. I embraced the mediums I felt most comfortable with, and I leaned heavily on technology because there was always an undo button.

More recently, I have let go of that tighter grip… not just in art but also in life. I am finding that in a more relaxed and open state, I can enjoy stepping into the unknown while creating. The work I am making in this series is coming from an intuitive place. I’m leaning into a sense of experimentation, flow, and discovery. Making this work makes me feel like an explorer! I’m excited to see where it will take me and what I will learn.

I enjoy making art in the context of life. I often bring my art supplies to our family room so I can be with my people while I create. I also like the company of other artists in the form of music, film, comedy, and audiobooks. I’ve had Brandi Carlile’s Human album on repeat while making many of these works. Recently, I painted several small pieces at a creative leadership conference, sitting next to new friends who borrowed art supplies and painted right alongside me.

Each work in this series has a unique context and was made at a moment in my life that has now passed. Sharing that story has become a fun element in this series. Each piece has a number, a date, and a note about what I was doing when I made it. I’m including this information because artmaking is a human experience, and I like to think it’s a way to shine a light on that human element.

In my studio, I’ve started a wall of work made by other artists. The care put into each piece, the colors, the movement, the lines… they all spark feelings of inspiration and connectedness. Their instincts are so different from mine, and they create in their own way.

In this time of AI emerging, I find things like creating art and building my art wall to be important acts. Staying connected to and appreciating the things that make us uniquely human feels ever more vital.

A Note About Size and Availability

Joy Sparks will be numbered in the order I create them. The smallest pieces are 4 × 4 inches, meant to sit on a tabletop or shelf; medium-sized works can be framed and hung in smaller rooms, and large works will be available as well. Some will take weeks to create, and others may take just an hour or two. I want to make room for all aspects of my art practice, and I want anyone who would like a Joy Spark to be able to get one!

For now, smaller works will be available at the Deck the Walls event in Carbondale, CO, from November 13th through December 24th.

I will offer an online sale opportunity as well before the holidays.