Circus Dreams

This latest piece was inspired by a patch that I found while taking a walk in my neighborhood. The patch was laying in the street near the curb, clearly lost. I decided to honor the joy that many children have found when seeing a circus performance, and the romantic dream (however momentary) of growing up to be a clown. The lights, the music, the excitement and the roar of the crowd!

"Circus Dreams" was most recently in the "Homage" show at Rivers Edge Gallery in Wyandotte, Michigan.

Ebb and Flow

This piece was created in response to the work of Beverly Buchanan who is being recognized for her life's work by the Womens Caucus for Art. "Ebb & Flow" deals with an individuals "pure expression" that is often hidden. Our interior life can be very different from the outside appearance that is shared with others. I have created this piece on the reverse side of a stretched canvas symbolizing the "hidden side." The small copper hand reaching, yet blocked, represents trying to live true to oneself.

Reliquary: Matilda's Pearls

This piece was created for a show entitled "Memory" which was held this past spring at the Riverside Gallery in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
It recalls the weekends that my sister and I would spend at my Aunt Mat's house playing dress up with her gowns, high heels, hats and jewelry. She allowed the two of us to "borrow" just about anything in her closet except her genuine pearls. I remember clearly the birthday--having achieved "womanhood"--that she gave me those very same pearls as a gift for my birthday.

Ann Arbor Women Artists Summer Show

After entering three pieces in the AAWA Summer Show, I just learned that all three were accepted! The show will be held at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan beginning June 30 and ending July 30, 2011. An Artists Reception will be held 0n Sunday, July 9th from 5-7pm. A talk will be given by the jurist and awards will be presented.

The first two entries above are altered books. "Waken But To Weep" is about regrets. The second piece, "Periodic Imbalance" addresses the necessity that we need balance between the "natural" and "man made."

The third piece, entitled "Mute Zephyr," is inspired by the poem "The Angels" by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Ann Arbor Women Artist Spring Show Entry

"After the Fire" is one of the pieces I have entered. It is a mixed media piece created within base a discarded cigar box. It is the story of a young boy who experienced the loss of all but one of his toys in a fire that destroyed his family home. He is longing for the single toy, a stuffed rabbit, which is out of his reach.

WCA Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game

The three photos above are of the final piece created. I have played off the idea that as our personal life history evolves, so does that of the earth. And so, while humans travel through their lives, each one must consider the impact they have on the natural world. This altered book is titled "Create Artificial Balance."
This is the second piece I created in the "game." Playing off the color orange and the concept of "being carried" from my partner. Titled " The Love Song of the Mosquito."

WCA Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game

This is my first (of 3 pieces) created for the WCA-Michigan Chapter Artists' Collaboration based on the theme of "Balance". Each pair of artists creates a series of works with the process of collaboration recorded through "call and response exchanges". This will result in a final work by each participating artist.
A "traveling" exhibit is to be presented at 3 different galleries throughout the state of Michigan. The first incarnation of the exhibit will be hosted by The Gallery in the Duderstadt Center at the University of Michigan, opening May 7 and closing May 31, 2010.
My theme for "Balance" in this altered book piece is Natural-Man Made. Highlighting the idea that it is necessary for humans to balance these elements to live in harmony with the earth.