Artist Statement
My process is mostly intuitive and spontaneous. The dichroic glass sheets in front of me and the image I envision interact in a kind of back-and-forth dialogue. The material guides me just as much as I guide it, and—embracing the contradictions of the medium—I make space for deliberate accidents and unexpected outcomes. Although each piece begins at room temperature, its true appearance only reveals itself after the kiln-firing stage. The assembled glass collage goes into a kiln and is heated to roughly 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, the glass starts to soften, merge, and flow together, blending its forms and hues. The vivid, deeply saturated colors come from the uniquely coated dichroic glass I work with.
I love combining metals such as steel, copper, bronze, and brass into levels – separated by wood. Although the glass is the main focus in my pieces, the backdrop is also an integral part of my art. I use patina products and the Arizona sunshine to create the interesting textures and shapes which emerge on some of my metals. Watercolor canvas is also used as a backdrop in some of my pieces. The richness of coppers, bronze and brass are my three favorites, but I have recently has been using a great deal of textured aluminum and steel due to the complimentary shine of these respective metals. My work has both a masculine and feminine feel to it… the masculine being the metals and the feminine being the glass.
When I’m creating, I often feel that each piece is meant for a particular person. The more I travel, connect with people, and share my work, the more easily each artwork seems to find its true home. My goal is to discover the right niches and audiences for what I make. I couldn’t duplicate a piece even if I tried—every collector ends up with a completely unique work made just for them.
I believe everyone should surround themselves with things they love in the places where they spend the most time. My intent is to fill the world – one room and/or space at a time – with pieces of art that I believe emanate positive energy, love and light in the places where they hang.