Diving right in, can you tell us how your partnership with Rumpl began?
Rumpl called me and explained that they wanted to incorporate Native American indigenous art into their products and that they wanted to do so in the right way. They wanted to work with Native American artists. That’s the conversation we had and from there it just kind of went. It seemed like a perfect fit.
Can you tell us about the artwork you created for Rumpl?
Pretty much everything I do is influenced by the Navajo weaving tradition. I work with and study Navajo design. What I created for Rumpl is really in line with that same kind of influence. I’m always creating pattern designs. I look at weavings a lot. I study them and am really inspired by the different geometric forms that are found in them.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I’m a digital artist and a printmaker. Everything I create is usually in a digital format. I see my style as fusing traditional art forms with digital art.
Can you tell us about some of the projects you’re working on currently?
This has been a weird year. I’d normally be doing a lot of art markets. But I’ve started doing more illustrative work, contract work and a lot of printmaking as well.
How would you say your work has evolved over time?
It does change and evolve as I work in different mediums. There’s always room to grow and develop skill sets. With each thing I make, I learn something new and apply it to the next thing. I usually incorporate all that learned knowledge into my next piece. It’s what makes art fun for me - it’s always evolving and changing.
Where do you see your work headed in the future?
I hope I get to do more collaborations. I’ll keep with the fine art, too. There’s never a dull moment.
How has the outdoors influenced your work?
Spending time in the outdoors is a really big part of my life. I try to get outside every day. I live out in the country. Walking the trails by my house or by the river or lake - it’s important for me in a general sense. When I’m out there, I’m always getting inspired. I’m always drawing upon those experiences being out in nature. Being in the outdoors makes me a better artist and probably a better person.