The phrase 'small encounters' collectively describes my artistic interest which gravitates towards portraying nature’s diminutive details that frequently go unnoticed. My portfolio of drawings and photographs reflects this as most of it is predominantly comprised of depictions of subject matter which are small in stature, can generally only be seen up close and need safe guarding. Subjects such as Mid-Atlantic ephemeral lifecycles with depicted insects that visit or pollinate their flowers and butterfly life transformations prevail throughout much of my artwork. They are rendered in my compositions from my own photographs and entwined in time sequences that describe in detail their life changing progressions. My plant lifecycle subjects are frequently depicted in their habitat drawn with descriptive lines twisted into and overlapping one another under transparent shapes to represent nature as complex, interconnected and intricate. I focus on my small, frequently hidden and fragile nature subjects believing that art can be utilized as an educational channel. Many insects and native flowers are disappearing due to disease, pesticides and habitat loss. I create my art with the intention of compelling viewers to appreciate and understand my diminishing subject matter. I do this by drawing my small nature subjects large enough so that viewers are presented with detailed visual information of easily distinguishable shapes and patterns. I also include interpretations of scientific data, when applicable, into my drawings that frequently expands on many viewers’ previous experiences with my subject matter.