When I was thinking through what I wanted to create for my large-scale paper sculpture exhibit for the Mansion at Strathmore, I felt I had to take a step back and first think about the guests that will view my art. What did I want them to see? What feeling do I hope to evoke when they view my artwork?

When I am at a museum looking at art, I like the feeling of being drawn into a piece, taking a step closer to get a better look to examine something special in that piece. Perhaps it is the colors, the brush strokes, the details or the subject matter or the emotions.

For my large-scale paper sculpture illustration exhibition, I wanted viewers to feel happy, excited and have some fun with my art. I want to draw people in by adding tiny elements and details I love to include in all my work. I want visitors to stay for a bit, so they can enjoy the space, feel part of the scene. I want my paper sculpture to be so real viewers feel like they’re seeing real wisteria, hearing baby birds chirping, getting ready to eat yummy desserts and watching a ladybug climb up the tulip petal.

I realized I wanted to capture a moment in time. In our busy world, how can we slow down and take a moment to appreciate what’s around us? That’s what I wanted to accomplish in my paper sculpture.

We often miss little moments in our everyday life. As a child we may have noticed the colors of the flowers or caught the squirrel scurrying away or the ants marching along the path. These moments keep happening around us, but they’re easy to miss and take for granted. Even watching the family cat playing with string or the color of the dog’s fur in the evening sunlight.

In my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” I’m asking you to pause, take a look and remember just how much beauty can be found in many moments in our lives. It is exactly these little moments that add up over time and are really important. The whole world is exciting and new and we don’t have to go far — it is right there in front of us, and often best enjoyed with those we love the most.

I have always wanted people to feel joy when they view my art and hopefully they can also have some fun while looking at the entire piece. I want to use my art to strengthen family bonds, from young children to parents and grandparents, sharing in an experience created through my work — bringing families together with my art.

Come and visit my art at the Mansion at Strathmore, in person or online. Look closely and tell me, what can you find? What memories does it remind you of when you see it? Perhaps the next time you are outside at the park or on your own front porch, enjoying a cup of tea, you may look up and hear the birds chirping and notice the little chipmunk at your feet, eating the acorns that fell from that large oak tree. So smile and enjoy this moment in time!