Mutualism is an exploration of symbolic relationships between organisms and the environment of the Colorado Plateau Desert. I draw on the repetition of forms to outline the subject while weaving in a conceptual study of place and culture. By expanding the limits of my traditional fiber skills, this collection translates the desert’s uniqueness into a sculpture garden of weird and whimsical forms inspired by an ecosystem that is often described as otherworldly.
The wool and alpaca used in these pieces came from local farms, the fabric collected second hand, the color from dye plants I grew here in Carbon County. My work is a collaboration with my community and habitat, fostering relationships with farmers for fiber and manure, fabric that passed through neighbors’ homes and lives, and plants that depend on me to nourish and tend them.
These organisms have developed relationships that are essential for their success in the harsh desert environment, just as the relationships we build within our communities are crucial to our health and happiness. Mutualism is meant to highlight symbiotic relationships in this delicate ecosystem and help viewers reflect on relationships and community in their own lives. This collection of work is a love letter to my community, habitat, and ecosystem that helps me thrive.
Yucca Moth
2025
Found cotton, botanically dyed found cotton, botanically dyed embroidery thread, local alpaca, board, thread
39” x 38” x 8”
Yucca
2025
Local wool, botanically dyed wool, brass, thread
53” x 12” x 12”
Sacred Datura
2024
Botanically dyed found fabric, found fabric, cotton batting, cotton thread, botanically dyed wool, sterling silver, agate
Sphinx Moth
2025
Copper, brass, sterling silver, botanically dyed found cotton, botanically dyed silk/hemp, local wool, local alpaca, botanically dyed crochet thread, thread, scrap fabric
14” x 14” 14”
Maize
2025
Botanically dyed found cotton fabric, cotton batting, botanically dyed local wool, local wool, brass, cotton thread, cotton warp, MDF, wood, screws
25” x 48” x 14”
Human
2025
Botanically dyed found cotton fabric, cotton batting, botanically dyed local wool, local wool, copper, cotton thread, cotton warp, MDF, wood, screws
25” x 48” x 14”
Milkweed
2025
Botanically dyed found cotton, botanically dyed wool, brass, copper, botanically dyed crochet thread, thread, paper
34” x 24” x 24”
Monarch
2025
Botanically dyed local wool, local wool, local alpaca, botanically dyed found cotton, botanically dyed embroidery thread, thread, paper, brass
43” x 13” x 13”
Element 1
2025
Botanically dyed found cotton, botanically dyed embroidery thread, cotton thread, cotton batting, paper
28” x 42” x 7”
Element 2
2025
Local wool, botanically dyed wool, silk, aluminum
26” x 14”
Element 3
2025
Botanically dyed found cotton, cotton thread, paper, wood
26” x 9.5” x 3”
Element 4
2025
Botanically dyed local wool, sterling silver, cotton thread
15” x 26.5”
Biological Soil Crust
2025
Botanically dyed wool, wool, alpaca, cotton, sterling silver, brass, copper
60” x 35”
Lichen
2025
Botanically dyed found cotton, botanically dyed wool, paper, found cotton, cotton thread
13” x 40” x 24”