I am an artist, historian, and educator specializing in Victorian hairwork as both a material craft and a social practice within 19th-century American culture. My work is informed by historical research into customs and material practices surrounding memory, remembrance, and mourning; domesticity; and sentimentality, blending scholarly insight with hands-on artistry in order to reconnect us with these meaningful traditions.
Areas of Expertise
Victorian Hairwork History & Artistry
I specialize in the creation of wirework hair flowers as both a material and social practice. My work draws on primary sources and historical examples to illuminate the symbolism, sentimentality, and craftsmanship behind 19th-century American hairwork traditions.
Historical Research & Material Culture
Experienced in archival research, primary source interpretation, and the study of 19th-century American material culture—with a focus on sentimental objects, memory and mourning customs, and domestic life.
Artistic Techniques & Craftsmanship
Practitioner of historically informed wirework hairwork techniques. I create bespoke heirlooms using traditional methods that honor the emotional and historical significance of both the materials and the practices behind them.
Education & Instruction
Providing hands-on, historically grounded instruction through live online workshops, private sessions, and group discussions. I have taught students at all experience levels and am committed to fostering curiosity, confidence, and community.
Public Speaking, Demonstration & Consultation
Experienced in presenting lectures, conducting demonstrations, and providing consultations to museums, historical societies, artists, curators, and educators. My approach brings a nuanced, artist-informed perspective to discussions of memory, mourning, domestic craft, and historical interpretation.
Writing & Media Contributions
Skilled contributor of articles and essays for publications, museums, historical societies, and educational platforms. My writing delves into Victorian hairwork and related themes within 19th-century American sentiment, material practices, and memory culture.
Professional Offerings
I am available for a range of professional engagements, including:
Writing & Contributions
Commissioned essays or articles on Victorian hairwork, 19th-century American memory and mourning culture, sentimental craft, and material practices. My research and writing also explores American Civil War portraiture and identity, postmortem photography, Victorian scrapbooks, and other forms of 19th-century American material culture, with particular attention to their roles in memory-making, sentimentality, and mourning practices.
Film, TV & Documentary Consultation
Guidance on historical accuracy, customs, and material culture for period productions, including hairwork representation.
Media Interviews & Expert Commentary
Appearances, quotes, and insight for articles, documentaries, podcasts, and other media features.
Lectures & Presentations
Public talks for museums, historical societies, libraries, and academic institutions, available both in-person and remotely.
Historical Consultation
Advising on exhibitions, research projects, and creative works involving 19th-century American sentimental or domestic practices.
Workshops & Private Instruction
Hands-on, historically grounded instruction in Victorian wirework hair flower techniques, tailored to individuals or groups.
Live Demonstrations
In-person or virtual demonstrations of historical wirework hair flower techniques.
Credentials & Education
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Washington State University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022 with concentrations in History, Art History, and English (Writing). My undergraduate research focused on Victorian-era hairwork, with special emphasis on wirework hair flowers and their cultural significance within 19th-century American domestic, sentimental, and memorial traditions.
Throughout my academic career, I received several scholarships and awards recognizing both academic excellence and artistic achievement, including:
2019 – Edda McCordic Talent Award for Art
2020 – Women in Action Foundation Scholarship
2020 – Patricia E. and Senator Al Bauer Scholarship
2021 – John Robert Brown Endowed Scholarship for Emerging Scholars
2021 – Cougars of the Desert Leadership Award
2022 - Florence and George Handy Endowed Scholarship for Liberal Arts
Get in Touch
For inquiries, please contact me. I look forward to connecting, collaborating, and creating together.
Email: irby.diane@gmail.com