Southern-born artist Thorn uses adornment, printmaking, photography, performance, bookbinding, origami, and collage as her media with an interest in recycling. Thorn focuses on religious symbolism, spiritual metamorphosis, familial connections, nomadic tendencies, second chances, and rebirth.
Though family and travel are on her list of artistic inspirations, it’s Peace Corps service that moved Thorn to think organically about her art. Compelled to collect bead and fabric treasures in Central African markets where she completed her volunteer service, she began experimenting with jewelry.
Art advocacy is also a part of Thorn’s legacy. The Art Guardian Project (vetted at OneSpark Crowdfunding Festival), is dedicated to preserving indigenous arts and Renewed Community Initiatives (an organization started by Thorn) is focused on raising the self-esteem of Jacksonville communities through art and placemaking. The Art in Public Places Committee is service Thorn is proud of. Endeavoring to provide art to those communities that need the hope art brings the most.
Thorn’s work is in private collections in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and public collection of the University of Florida.