Happy Spring

Each year, it begins with the crocus in my front yard—small, insistent, and impossible to ignore. They’re always the first to arrive, my quiet harbingers of spring, nudging me awake from my long creative hibernation. I ease out of that winter rhythm slowly, slowly turning to face the sun. It’s never been a season of inactivity, but of inward turning—collecting, noticing, letting ideas rest without asking them to become anything yet. And then, almost without realizing it, the shift happens. The light lingers, color returns, and so do I—emerging gently, ready to move, to make, to follow where that first spark leads. 

What is this rabbit hole?
If you know anything about me, you know I can totally get sucked down a good rabbit hole. So, as I was flinging the phrase creative hibernation around with reckless abandon, I fell down the rabbit hole and became curious as to whether we as humans do anything akin to hibernation.  If you want to find out what I found, here is a link to an interesting article by a University of Oxford Professor of Neuroscience. 

Dreaming of France? Grab the last spot!

For those who have been dreaming of a more literal journey, we have one final spot open for our upcoming trip to France. It’s shaping up to be a beautiful mix of immersion, exploration, and creative connection—very much in the spirit of everything I’ve been reflecting on lately. There’s something transformative about stepping outside of your daily rhythm and into a new landscape. This trip to France is designed as both an escape and an immersion—time to gather inspiration, notice details you might otherwise miss, and reconnect with your creative instincts. It’s about slowing down, seeing differently, and returning with a fuller sense of curiosity (and maybe a few treasures tucked into your suitcase). You can find more information here or just contact me directly at [email protected]

Uncharted Territory: See it at Greenbelt Arts Center

I’m excited to share that my show Uncharted Territory is currently on view at the Greenbelt Arts Center. It’s a collection that leans into this idea of making without a fixed destination—of allowing the work to unfold in its own time and language. This body of work has largely been kept private until now.  If you find yourself nearby, I’d love for you to experience it in person. Please note, that gallery is only open when a performance is happening or by appointment. For more information on the show, click here. 
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April 11th: Collage Workshop!

​I’ll be hosting a collage workshop at Montpelier Arts Center this April. It’s shaping up to be a playful, low-pressure space to experiment. Collage is one of my favorite ways to loosen expectations—cutting, layering, and reassembling without needing a clear plan. If you’ve been wanting to make something with your hands, this is a lovely place to start. The Workshop is April 11th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It is in honor of World Collage Day (actually May 9th but I will be in France and try as I might, I can't be in two places at once :) If you want to join the fun, here is a link to register.

April 29th: Herb & Tea Festival

On April 29th, I’ll be at the Herb & Tea Festival at Montpelier Arts Center. There is always so much to see—filled with thoughtful vendors, resident artists, and a slower pace that invites you to linger. I’ll have a selection of work available as will my fellow resident artists. So, pop on by, it’s a beautiful way to spend part of a spring day.

​What I’ve Been Listening To In the Studio

Lately, my listening habits have been a mix of intrigue and calm—balancing episodes of Crime Junkie with stretches of soft, classical music in the studio. It’s either a deep dive into storytelling or a gentle backdrop for making, depending on the mood. Somehow, the contrast works for me. What are you listening to?  

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From Collector to Curator: ​Clearing Out the Excess

Alongside everything else, I’ve been continuing the quiet process of clearing out the excess—both in the studio and at home. There’s something satisfying about creating space, about letting go of what no longer feels necessary. I’ve been thinking of it as a shift from collector to curator—being more intentional about what I keep, what I live with, and what I create from. It’s less about minimalism and more about making room for what truly resonates. It is a slow process. But if you are interested in following along, you can find me and my treasures on Ebay and Instagram at Quirky Bird Vintage.