Katrina II Photograph - Limited Edition of 10

'Katrina' is my attempt to describe a creature who has arisen from, and is one with, the sea. Since sharing this piece on social media, I’ve seen Katrina described as a mermaid, a selkie, and a sea witch (my personal favorite). Over the years, I have come to know and love the bull kelp that I find washed up on our Puget Sound beaches. Some months ago, I realized that this kelp possesses all the components necessary to build a beautiful gown. Bull kelp produces long, thin, ribbony strips, as well as big, wide, billowy swaths. It also produces bizarre, almost floral, root clusters, long thin cords, and bulbous floats. It all added up. Basically, I just did the math. I built this piece directly on Katrina’s body, and yes, the thin straps of the bodice are indeed made of kelp. Making this piece and working with Katrina, the kelp, the tide, and the sun, felt like a crazy miraculous dream.