DJ Gaskin has explored watercolor and photography and now focuses on mixed-media collage, working predominantly with handmade and other unique papers, at times complementing with acrylic, and incorporating various disparate objects. Drawing on her love of the wild, nature is a common theme in her work. “I gravitate toward nature as an extension of or companion to human nature,” she says. “Integrating pieces of the earth or other natural representations into my art feels similar to how I use nature metaphors in my poetry, as symbols for the man-made elements of life that draw on our natural instincts.”

Her fascination with texture and layers drives much of DJ’s work. She explains, “I’m drawn to the tactile sense of handmade papers. I love the fibrous textures of Thai and Nepalese papers like unryu and lokta and often work varieties of these in with other papers, along with three-dimensional objects, when creating a collage.”

DJ’s passion for paper is also demonstrated in her handmade journals, the covers of which often take on a collage effect, and all are one-of-a-kind pieces. In her handmade cards she calls “haikugami,” she uses mostly handmade papers and incorporates origami figures and original haiku.

In addition to the Springfield Art Guild, DJ is a member of Del Ray Artisans, located in the Del Ray section of Alexandria, Va., and The Art League, housed in The Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria. She also conducts expressive poetry workshops.

Email DJ to inquire about any of the above, or visit her Web site for more information.