Artist Statement
I am a multi-disciplinary artist whose work is deeply influenced by the world around me. As a lifelong ecologist and plant person, my work as an artist and healer sits at the intersection of Art, Ecology and Herbalism. I am a conceptual multimedia artist inspired by all aspects of the natural world, and I actively work with the alchemical processes of Green World, be it eco-printing, paper making from plants, alternative photography methods or foraging and medicine making. My artwork and healing work is process based centering around relationship, well-being, creativity, connection and co-existence. I believe art and creativity to be an integral part of the healing process.
With my art making, I can bring the natural world, its stillness and healing qualities into my busy world and feel connected to something greater. My materials are often of the earth. To simply slow down and enjoy the process of creating something handcrafted is a healing process. When working with plants one is in concert with another living being. I see my work as a collaboration with Nature. I wish to inspire the viewer a sense of wonder, a remembering of what it feels like to be in a relationship and feel connected to Gaia.
I have spent these past few years developing a creative practice which I call “Art that Breathes” a process based methodology which deepens our connection to the healing plants through collaborative art. The plants I collaborate with are wildcrafted, with permission and gratitude, from the land I call home, on Pocumtuc/Nipmuc territory also known as Western Massachusetts. “Art that Breathes” utilizes the natural pigments in plants, leaves, and flowers, to extract botanical expression and pigment. I hope the resulting images are springboards for dialog with other life forms and spark a deeper connection to the Earth.
I have taught herbalism and holistic well-being for the past 25 years, lectured widely around the Northeast and love nothing more than creating intentional community and helping others find their place and feel supported by the Green World. I am inspired by the life and work of scientist Rachel Carson, polymath and visionary Hildegard Von Bingen, and Spiritualist artist Hilma af Klint, and Surrealists Remedios Varo, Leonora Carringron and Kati Horna.
I am a Massachusetts based artist and proud member of the Queer LGBTQIA+ community.
Learn more about Tony(a) here.