- 2011 STATE OF DELAWARE Howard Pyle Art Educator of the Year
- 2014 STATE OF DELAWARE Middle Level Art Educator of the Year
- 2020 TEACHER OF THE YEAR, Henry B duPont Middle School
Artist Statement
Numerous ancient philosophies teach us we should live in harmony with the natural world. As I return to my studio full time, I strive to create a beauty from the discarded in my search for this harmony. My current series explore both metal and clay remnants. Some I have collected and saved throughout years of creating while others evolve as I immerse myself in new processes and exploration.
Junkyards are the resting places for the bones of man-made society. For my metal sculpture, I search through junkyards, scrapyards, recycle shops and along streets for objects that speak to me and combine these with visual elements of nature. I am looking to bring new life, new form, new Hope and Spirit to these discarded objects.
I have always been inspired by organic lines and forms. Leaf shapes, vines and scrolls that previously decorated the surface of my clay work are now cut into and through metal surfaces with a plasma cutter. Organic, squiggly lines swirl across the surface of metal like vines trying to recapture the sides of discarded buildings. Bike chain becomes a vine or references the cloud forms and rock formations I photo for inspiration. Using a plasma cutter, I transfer the drawing techniques I use on paper and the surface of my clay work into these metal objects. The large vessels I create continue my fascination with ruins and ancient societies use of the vessel.
In our current fast paced world, I strive to create beauty from the discarded in an attempt to inspire viewers to slow down and contemplate the Spirit of Creation.
Numerous ancient philosophies teach us we should live in harmony with the natural world. As I return to my studio full time, I strive to create a beauty from the discarded in my search for this harmony. My current series explore both metal and clay remnants. Some I have collected and saved throughout years of creating while others evolve as I immerse myself in new processes and exploration.
Junkyards are the resting places for the bones of man-made society. For my metal sculpture, I search through junkyards, scrapyards, recycle shops and along streets for objects that speak to me and combine these with visual elements of nature. I am looking to bring new life, new form, new Hope and Spirit to these discarded objects.
I have always been inspired by organic lines and forms. Leaf shapes, vines and scrolls that previously decorated the surface of my clay work are now cut into and through metal surfaces with a plasma cutter. Organic, squiggly lines swirl across the surface of metal like vines trying to recapture the sides of discarded buildings. Bike chain becomes a vine or references the cloud forms and rock formations I photo for inspiration. Using a plasma cutter, I transfer the drawing techniques I use on paper and the surface of my clay work into these metal objects. The large vessels I create continue my fascination with ruins and ancient societies use of the vessel.
In our current fast paced world, I strive to create beauty from the discarded in an attempt to inspire viewers to slow down and contemplate the Spirit of Creation.