GALLERIES
I work in a range of mediums including – Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Ceramics, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Assemblage. My work is functional, narrative and whimsical.
Painting, Drawing, and Illustration
Drawing, painting and illustration is what connects everything! Ideas, themes, people and planning. The simple act of trying to draw something can change the way I look at the world. I love pattern and line the same way I love color and light. I am interested in how the eye travels and enjoy making “reading” a visual experience.
Ceramics
Memory, mold, paddle, melt, shape – these words describe processes involved in working with clay. These words alternate between functional (mold, shape) and magical (memory, melt). In the same way, I blend functionality with allegory. By combining an everyday domestic object (teapot, lamp, cookie jar) with a timeless fable or story, I get to invite conversation. Do you see how it pays to be slow and steady (Tortoise and Hare Lamp)? Or how the night sky can be navigated through the whimsy of the Zodiac (Two-Headed Taurus Lamp)? The final product’s functionality contributes to its intrigue as a work of art, and the story is transformed into a physical piece that can be shared, discussed over tea, a candle, or a bedtime conversation.
Printmaking
The process of putting ink onto a block or plate and transferring it to paper is MAGIC! I embrace the surprise. Prints print backwards and transfers can be unpredictable so the questions are always there: How will the image read backwards? How will the inks cover and the colors overlay? New tricks and tools are always arising and multiples offer the opportunity to try variations on a larger idea.
Sculpture
The energy of much of this work reflects backyards, dog walks, food, and gardens. I have
enjoyed making these outdoor installations for various “events” Its a pleasure to make, work
and show artwork in the garden.
Assemblage/Commissions
Folk music is often described as “grown from the home” referring to a cultural as well as literal place. The energy of much of this work reflects family, home, and garden. Cleaning up, is a theme. I enjoy collecting things and am the keeper of many relics… But then what? These assemblages are a practice in recycling, bringing together my “things with family love and narrative.”
I like having home and artwork connect, so that imagination and creativity are a constant presence in daily life. How about a Giraffe family nap or snuggling on a cat couch? The Dragon defends the home, the goat is a welcoming pet…. The placement and functionality of the final product contribute to its intrigue as a piece of art. It is my hope to raise the conversation including ones with inanimate objects. making rituals and routines of home, and the upkeep and maintenance of household fun.
Working on commission allows another person’s ideas to initiate a project that I can follow through on and realize. New ideas and characters are constantly emerging. I have made sets of plates on an opera theme, Andirons portraying a specific pair, posters for companies and community events, illustrated poems for a lover, and furniture to fit a specific space. I am always interested in more work and love to discuss ideas with potential clients. When I work on commission, the first step is to visit me in the studio and discuss ideas. Then the process begins. I start with sketching out a few ideas, then I create drawings, and then move on to paper patterns. From there, depending upon the project, I create a life-sized pattern or piece of the work I’m creating.
Contact me if you have a project!
