About

Artist Statement

I am a metal artist. My passion is making small-scale sculptural jewelry and objects in mediums such as silver and acrylic. I base my forms around organic objects that have specific tactile qualities. My work incorporates the sense of touch as a device to entice the viewer to interact with each piece.

Sharp, shiny, squishy, and smooth...all words that are used to describe the world around us when we talk about things that we touch. The way that we interact with our environment using our sense of touch is a sensual experience. It is this feeling that I have chosen to express though my work. Too often we neglect to recognize an object that we touch to have any lasting effect on our memory. Perhaps, though habit, we do not take the time to stop and consider the objects we touch on a daily basis as well as the emotions that are evoked though this action. I am very sensitive to the way my emotions change though my sense of touch. I reflect this by using materials in my work that stimulate these sensations.

The incorporation of organic aspects in my work leads the viewer to make associations with their own interpretations of what the forms and feelings represent to their own memory. Subtle, yet obvious in intent, my work has a distinct tactile quality that draws the viewer to experience more than expected. Drawing inspiration from natural objects, I create a stage for the exploration between the beautiful and the dangerous. My work encompasses a feeling of attraction as well as repulsion towards these objects just as an Amazon tree frog entices you with its colors but carries a poison deadly to the touch.

I recognize my own elation at the thought of touching something new. The tactile sensation, in my opinion, is so powerful that I want that same dynamic energy to be received directly from my work. It's that flow and energy, seen physically in my work, that is embraced emotionally. The sensuality of touch is something that I want everyone to consider and experience in my work.

Resume

Education

2009 Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Teachers Assistant for Fred Fenster and Hiroko Yamada
2008 Penland School of Crafts Summer Workshop with Fred Fenster, Penland, North Carolina
2002-2006 Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania—Bachelors of Fine Arts in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM
2006 Penland School of Crafts Summer Workshop with Heidi Schwegler, Penland, North Carolina
2005 Penland School of Crafts Summer Workshop with Anika Slumovitz, Penland, North Carolina
2004 Tyler School of Art Scotland Metals Workshop, Glasgow, Scotland

Awards/Publications

2009 NICHE 2010 Award Finalist
2008 Finalist in Rio Grande Saul Bell Design Awards
2007 500 Metal Vessels Published by Lark Books. Juror: Fred Fenster, Editior: Marthe Le Van
2002-2006 Tyler School of Art Portfolio Scholarship
2005 President of the Crafts Association of Tyler Students
2003-2004 Dean’s List
2003 One of five featured 3D artists in National College Board Advanced Placement Studio Art Publication

Exhibitions

2009 CRAFTFORMS 2008 International Juried Exhibition, Wayne Art Center Wayne, PA
2007 Made in Metal Gallery “Material Alchemy Exhibition” Baltimore, Maryland
2006 Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM Senior BFA Thesis Show
2002-2006 Tyler School of Art Annual Student Shows
2005 Tyler School of Art Glass Department Student Show
2004 Tyler School of Art Metals Scotland Workshop Exhibition
2002-2004 Tyler School of Art Student Craft Show
2003 Tyler School of Art Freshman Foundation Show
2002 “The Copper Fountain” Cheltenham High School Senior Graduation Project: Permanent Installation
2002 National Juried Exhibition, Evierson Museum of Art, Syracuse New York
2002 National NCECA Juried K-12 Exhibition, Kansas City, Missouri
2000-2002 Just Perfect Fine Jewelry and Gifts Gallery, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania