This sculpture was made by welding and carving wax sheets into an anatomical human heart. The wax "heart" had pieces cut out to open portions up, alter its structure. The lost wax casting was then covered in plaster and burnt out in a kiln. Heated bronze was then poured into the final cast of plaster to create the heart. The final portion was then removed from the plaster. Sprue cutting, sanding, added patina, lots of filing and sanding was used to create the finished surface. Thin yarn was crocheted to create strands of fiber to resemble 'blood' that comes out of some of the missing lower segments of the heart.
The sculpture is a play on the derogatory term "bleeding heart liberal." It is a visual representation of my own heart hurting, or feeling broken and bleeding when witnessing the dire need for greater social programs and government safety nets to care for the individuals, including the increasing population of poor.
This piece was chosen to be in the 2nd Annual One College Virtual Art Student Exhibition, Zoom Out PCC Art Exhibition. It won an award, June 2022.
"One can't make an omelette without breaking eggs" 2022
Lost wax casting process, aluminum. This sculpture is about the learning process we all undertake to acquire a new skill. It's not possible to accomplish something worthwhile without experiencing some challenges in the learning process. Ironically, I placing myself in the learning process all the time as an Artist and Maker, and for this piece I was learning something new, casting metal.
"Fennel" 2022
Lost wax casting process, aluminum.
The mold making process for the fennel bulb, 2022
"Spring Will Come Again" 2022
Lost wax casting process, Bronze. Hyacinth bulb, wax, string, bronze.
Sprue for lost wax casting, 2022
"Three Generations" 2022
Mold creation of three generations of hands, my mother, my daughter and mine. Lost wax casting process. Aluminum.
Life casting a hand, 2022
Pouring plaster for lost wax casting process, 2022
Cured plaster going into the kiln for burnout, 2022
"Container" 2020
Welded steel, wrapped with steel wire ribcage structure. Wool felted anatomical heart and spinal cord.
I created lungs in response to the Covid19 virus, as the virus is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. These lungs are lacking life, Paper-like. I'm questioning if these lungs can supply oxygen, and taking a deep breath seems impossible. The plastic tubing resembles intubation tubing used for Endotracheal intubation to serve as an open passage through the upper airway to provide artificial respiration.
"With the Lights Out It's Less Dangerous" 2019
Carved alabaster. Originally 50 pounds, carved to 35 pounds. Mahogany wood stain and wood.
This alabaster piece was inspired by the song, Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. This song for me, is the epitome of the angst of the teenage years. Dangerously sharp, still shifting shape, and morphing into adulthood. If you listen to the song, there is also smooth and calm moments, followed by spikes in the guitar solos.
Breast Cages 2019
This wearable art is a statement on the ridiculous nature female bodied individuals experience regarding breast. Societies obsession with breasts and fear of their intended purpose. The cages represent protection, a safe space barrier and also adornment of the female form, though be it exaggeration as breasts are soft, and the cages are hard. The bodice resembles what individuals would wear in battle for protection.
Body Extension, wearable art: Welded steel, white paint, white silk ribbon, handmade leather bodice, grommets.
Garment requires another person to lace up the sides, like a corset. Wearer can undo the bows and loosen the silk ribbon lacing to gain freedom.
Carved plaster, copper pieces, copper wire, found plumbing parts, glue, clear sealant. Heart is approx. 5x7 inches. Stands 9 inches when in the pedestal.
"An Altar for Hard Feelings" 2019
This sculpture was created in response to the pandemic and Covid19. Fear, lost lives, isolation, living in an unrecognizable world while being required to physical distance from other people. The Altar allows for the user to experience a ritual and a place for all the "hard feelings" to go while in the safety of their own dwelling. The process of opening the drawers of the Altar, arranging the items, doing the ritual then putting the items back, and finally closing the Altar up is a mindful activity. Writing hard feelings down on paper and then burning the pieces of paper can allow for a "letting go" of those heavy emotions during this life altering pandemic.
Refurbished sewing box, red paint, candles, matches, a feather, seashell, stones, small lung sculpture, metal plates for burning, paper, pen, metal tin for ashes, ocean & rain water in bottles, sea salt, small flower in glass vase, metal key, garden herbs gathered in a ribbon, a small mirror.
"Found" 2019
Found objects: metal triangle, two long plexiglass sheets, yarn
Copper House 2019
Handmade small copper house containing a hand dyed quail egg. Piece is 2.5 inches in height.
Silver Amethyst - quilt ring 2019
Inspired by my grandmother. Amethyst was her birthstone and she was the most amazing quilt artist! Right photo has a photo of my grandmother and me when I was a very young child, and a photo of one of her quilts she made.