Exploring aspects of myself in ways that speak to a universal human condition appeals to me most and is probably what drives my work.
I have always had to juggle ways to live and work and make things around me happen, and an attitude of challenge, discovery, and invention suffuses my art, which has always dealt with many themes and ideas simultaneously.
The most satisfying projects for me are the most difficult, both in technique and concept. Though I was trained in traditional leaded stained glass methods, I taught myself copper foil, then fusing and other warm glass techniques. In the mid 90's I began to take classes with renowned glass masters like Brent Kee Young, Doug Anderson, Anna Boothe, and numerous other international and American glass artists. The skills I acquired, along with a strong sense of curiosity and intuition, allow me to create almost anything I envision.
I enjoy the discipline necessary to produce intricate, precise architectural installations in my commissioned projects. Working with stained glass keeps me involved with architecture and design for my clients, which I love. After 25 years I still find great satisfaction in creating a window or a door that becomes an integral part of an existing structure, as well as making a statement about the owners.
My non-commissioned work is primarily concerned with the sensual and emotional, often incorporating body parts or images, and words. I studied creative writing in college, concentrating on poetry. When I started working in glass, I stopped writing as much, but somehow my words have always made their way into my artwork.
My cast glass pieces are very personal, though now and then I do a purely whimsical piece. Fusing glass allows me to push the envelope with experimentation and feels like a dialogue, a co-creation with the glass itself. I don't produce too many decorative objects like bowls and plates, but tend to favor more abstract creations and large forms or well-designed functional art such as sconces or sinks.
I have a small glory hole and crucible kiln, and do a bit of hot glass, and would like to begin playing with hot pours into sand molds. In all the techniques I use there is a dance of invention, a marriage of elements, and I incorporate steel, rock, natural objects - whatever is needed to resolve the work.
There are so many ways to work with glass it is intoxicating.
Services and Techniques
Design
- Work with architect, interior designer, and/or client and create a design specifically suited to site
- Examples of custom work include: windows, transoms, sidelites, doorways, dividers, sconces, light panels, sinks, sculptural and decorative glass art
Fabrication
- Leaded, copper foiled, zinc, brass, steel reinforcement as called for
- Kiln formed glass, including cast, Pate de Verre, fused, and kiln formed
- Painted and enameled glass
- Beveled
- Sandblasted and carved
- Mosaic
Professional Memberships
- National Capitol Art Glass Guild (President 1998-2001)
- International Guild of Glass Artists
- American Arts and Crafts Council
- Glass Art Society
Education
- 1981-1982 LĠEcole Des Beaux Arts, Aix-en-Provence, France. Stained Glass
- 1981-1982 Institute for American Universities, Aix-en-Provence, France. Art History
- 1979-1983 Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida. Liberal Arts, B.A.
- Postgraduate training includes: kiln casting, glass blowing, glass fusing and slumping, glass painting and enameling, stone carving, ceramics, sculpture, flame working, and pate de verre
Professional Teaching Experience
- Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD 1997-2004
- Rockville Arts Place (Resident Artist 1999- 2001) -2006
- Corcoran School of Art (adjunct faculty) Washington, D.C.1999-2001
- Bannockburn Elementary School, Bethesda, MD 1998
- Waynewood Elementary School, Artist in Residence, Mt.Vernon, VA 1998
- Lowell School, Washington D.C. 1994-1996
- Maryland College of Art and Design, Silver Spring, MD 1993
Recent Professional Shows and Exhibitions
- The Creative Craft Council 25th Anniversary juried show at Strathmore Mansion, Rockville, MD 2005 (2nd place in glass)
- Inspirations, Friendship Heights Village Center, Chevy Chase, MD 2005
- 66th Annual Business Awards Gala, Washington, D.C., 2004
- Corporate Arts Program at GTE Government Systems, Chantilly, VA 2004
- Glassworks, Fisher Art Gallery, Alexandria, VA 2003
- Invitational National Capitol Art Glass Guild, Artisan Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, VA 2003
- The Crafts Collection 2003, Strathmore Hall, North Bethesda MD, 2003 (Honorable Mention)
- Arts Council of Fairfax County, Artisans United, Chantilly VA 2003
- Rewind and Fast Forward, Stone Tower Gallery, Glen Echo MD 2002
- Arts Council of Fairfax County, Artisans United, Chantilly VA 2002
- Spirits Signs and Symbols, Fred M. Packard Center, Annandale VA 2001
- 30th Annual Labor Day Art Show, Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo MD 2001
- New Expressions In Glass, Glen Echo Park Gallery, Glen Echo MD, 2000
- Insider Art, Rockville Arts Place, Rockville, MD 2000
- Spirit of Healing, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD 1999
- Lightshadow, Meredith Glass Gallery, Silver Spring, MD, 1999
- 1998 Open Exhibition Bell Atlantic Gallery, Annandale, VA 1998 (Judge: J. Carter Brown)
- The Crafts Collection 1998, Strathmore Hall, North Bethesda, MD 1998
Clients (Partial listing)
- Chevy Chase Elementary School, Chevy Chase, MD
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Virginia, Arlington, VA
- McNair Builders, Bethesda, MD
- Rancho Deluxe Restaurant, Washington, D.C
- Elegance by Dawn, Alexandria, VA
- Estates, Inc., Great Falls, VA
- Holiday Inn, Alexandria, VA
- Smoot Lumber, Alexandria, VA