My objective is to gain experience and knowledge in the professional and artistic world. I strive to create work that has sculptural strength evoking the identification of the viewer with the conceptual ideas portrayed.

ARTIST BIO

Born in 1977, I grew up in Franklin, Michigan. I began my formal art training at the Center for Creative Studies, in Detroit in 1995. Studying a variety of techniques from the Crafts to Fine Arts Department, I developed many skills as I explored working in mediums such as clay, glass, wood, fiber, and metal. As my skills and work progressed, I felt the need to grow from within as well as gain new and different experiences. During my junior year I took the opportunity to be part of a mobility program, where I ventured to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and experienced immense personal growth.

Before graduating in May 1999, from the Center for Creative Studies, I spent my last two years focusing solely on abstract figurative sculpture. I worked in many mediums, but concentrated mainly in glass and metal. I identified with these materials, as they were able to embrace my ideas. While at CCS I had the wonderful experience of participating in many shows, on school campus, as well as throughout the local art community. (See exhibition list attached.)

For my Senior Year Exhibition at Center for Creative Studies, I was striving to create a strong body of work speaking of growth and change. I created pieces, which were typically based on forms such as cocoons, keels, and the dance positions of ballerina’s legs. My goals for the imagery were to relate to the metamorphosis of a cocoon and to the freedom experienced in dance. Other pieces that I created relay the calming feeling associated with water as well as directional flow and balance given to the structure of a boat. In some of the work I use glass-referencing ice, melting to water.

After graduating from Center for Creative Studies with honors, I ventured to Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, Washington for a month long session. There I learned glass etching as well as printmaking skills. In July, I traveled to Israel and worked for Archaeological Seminars, in charge of specific archeological digs and spelunking caves. When the season ended, I worked at a gallery in Jerusalem called Biblical Antiquities. There I studied archeology, and learned the Hebrew language.

Upon my return from Israel I have created a line of beaded jewelry, which is sold privately and to stores throughout Michigan. Recently my most challenging endeavor has been my involvement with ‘Girlee’, a non-profit organization in Detroit. I have embraced my position on the board of Directors, where we support and help to promote 50 local female artists. On the Board I hold a position on the Art Council, orchestrating art shows and workshops for artists. We have curated a show during the month of February and are now focusing on a show for August. We are also opening an artist co-op space, as well as participating in community events to raise the art awareness of children. This March, I finished a clay modeling training program with Chrysler and MSX International. Enjoying the work, I am anxious to see where this latest adventure will lead.

Currently, I am concentrating on the process of slumping glass over a variety of structures, from pod shapes to bathtubs. This work focuses on intrigue, containment verses freedom, and the feelings of tranquility. My work is presently being shown at Gallery Function Art in Pontiac, Creative Resources in Birmingham, and the WARD Gallery in Harbor Springs.

 

 

 

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