My creative style is founded on a love of process and a disciplined approach to my work. I came to mixed media sculpture via fiber art; as a result, I prefer to work with materials that require simple tools and are air-drying. My subject matter is always evolving and I have come to trust my instincts about what to create. I typically work in series, each series informing the next.

Human figures are one of my favorite subjects; they allow me to explore many themes. These themes reveal themselves to me while I am working. The resulting work is emotive and visually interesting. The same intuitive process and aesthetic transforms basic black birds into unique, fanciful creatures.

Recently I have been drawn to the look of broken, tempered glass, and I use it to cover the bases for my birds. I find the bases to be beautiful in their own right and have used similar forms to create a series of wall installations. And so it goes, one thing leads to another.

The Process

I developed this sculptural process in order to make figures that would stand without bases. For the armatures, I carve Styrofoam and fill it with a core of plaster and sand for weight. The carved form is then covered with papier mache, with a final layer of air-drying clay. Patina is achieved with acrylic paint and wax. I sometimes cover the painted surfaces with glass mosaic.

Solo Exhibitions

Lanesboro Arts Center, 2011

Group Exhibitions

Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Member Salon 2011, Honorable Mention
Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis, MN, 2011
Minnetonka Center for the Arts Faculty Show, 2010-2011
Art of the Doll, MN State Fair Fine Arts Building, 2010
Bird Show, Edina Art Center, Edina, MN, 2010, Merit Award
Spring Art Salon, anne & friends, Wayzata, MN, 2010
Art of the Doll, Robbin Gallery, Robbinsdale, MN, 2010
Minnetonka Ctr for the Arts Figure Show, Minnetonka, MN, 2009
Minnetonka Ctr for the Arts Community Gallery, Ridgedale Center, 2009-2011
Lake Minnetonka Arts Tour, 2009-2011
Mentor/Protégé Exhibition, Textile Ctr of MN, 2008
Art of the Doll, Pump House, LaCrosse, WI, 2006
Textile Center of Minnesota Member Show, 2006
Franklin Bank Community Art Show, Minneapolis, MN, 2006
St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, Invitational Fiber Show, 2005
Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, MN, Juried Fine Arts Show, 1995, 2004, 2007
The Good Life, Wayzata, MN, Invitational Show, 2004, 2008
Colonial Church, Edina, MN, Invitational Fiber Show, 1996, 1998
Minnesota Crafts Council Juried Member Show, Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Minnetonka, MN, 1997
Minnesota Crafts Council Juried Member Show, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI, 1999
Frank Stone Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota, two-person show, 2000, 2002
Textile Center of Minnesota Member Show, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI, 2001
Lake Elmo Art Center, Invitational Fiber Show, 2002
Elk River Arts Alliance, Juried Show, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2011

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, University of Wisconsin at River Falls
Ongoing education with workshops by Gloria Crouse, Walter Nottingham, Barb Kobe, Maureen Carlson and Laura Murray
Mentorship program through the Textile Center of Minnesota 2007-2008

Born

Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Affiliations

American Crafts Council
Textile Center of Minnesota
Minnetonka Center for the Arts