About the Art
Each piece takes on a life of its own and guides me in how it is to be created. I start with a background and typically a mask, and then delve into my many resources to find the right materials to express what is coming through me or is being called forth. I do not have a preconceived plan or feel I must control the work … it is an expression that literally travels through me and into form. The materials guide me, energetically, and I experiment and play with them until everything is in balance and the piece tells me it is complete. Oh, and my husband approves or offers impeccable finishing touches! Then all goes quiet and I can step back and appreciate the creation. It’s a delightful, co-creative process.
The bases of the pieces are baskets, drift wood, or pressed wood, covered by leather or fabric. The feathers are all legal, and may include pheasant, parrot or macaw, chicken, rooster, turkey, guinea hen, ostrich or peacock. The leather masks come from wonderful places around the world … Portugal, Florence, Brazil, Mexico, and various islands. I embellish the masks with beads, fiber, shells, and feathers. The wood I use I have found in nature myself … always collecting!
About the Artist
The creative muse has been with me my whole life. I can remember putting things I’d found in Nature together in beautiful fashion as a child, and going on to create montages, sculptures, and collages. Art has always been an outlet for me, both emotionally and as an expression of my Spirit. Creating gives me much joy, and I treasure finding the flow as I work. I do not create as a “job” but rather enter my studio when I am moved to do so. The potential for a new creation is a force that pulls me to that special space … literally and psychically. Although I am always collecting materials, I may go months without creating, and then do several pieces in a wave of expressive energy.
I have been crafting masks and shields for over thirty years, out of feathers, fiber, wood, beads, leather, fur and fabric. My artform continues to evolve. I live in the southwestern United States, so many find the Native American spirit alive in my art. “Faces of Nature” describes the theme of most of my work, as I am inspired by Nature’s beauty, power, intensity, and graciousness. All my pieces reflect some aspect of Nature–in color, texture, and form. Some of my materials I purchase, and many I find as I hike or accompany my husband as he fishes the rivers where we live.
Thank you for your interest in my art. I hope it moves you in life-giving and heartfelt ways.