Textures and surfaces are fascinating. I have experimented with papers, acrylic gels and metal. I developed an extended series of works using various acrylic media, especially heavy gels. The series, A Gallery of Delectable Delights, features scenes from beautiful bakeries and luscious pies, cakes, cookies and cupcakes with 3-d effects for the toppings and frostings.The experience of working with textures prompted me to move on to metal works.
My metal assemblage is art created by distressing, altering, or cutting old license plates and other found objects, then re-combining the pieces in meaningful, expressive ways. My metal works are further inspired by my spouse, a collector of automobilia, in general, and license plates, in particular.
My husband and I operate an online business serving collectors of old vintage license plates. We have tens of thousands old license plates in our business space and this is where I find my materials. We live in Mundelein IL, a north suburb, and there, I guard a corner of our business workspace for my studio.
Current works reflect three themes that I enjoy. One is flags, another is Route 66 and the third is abstract sculptural works.
Because nothing says “America” like the automobile, license plates are apt for commentary on our country. At times, my American flags are created in response to conflicts with our political parties and how disruptive it is. More recently, I have turned my attention to the tragic Ukraine situation and created works in sympathy to the resistance.
Old US Route 66 conjures the travel ideal of adventure, freedom and exploration. Often rusty and worn, my works nostalgically peer back at those days gone by.
With my abstract sculptural works I bring pieces together to form a cohesive composition and create a sense of calm and restorative peace. Some form a 3-D cube. Others are layered.
I regularly tell viewers and patrons to take care handling my works, since cut metal and other objects produce sharp edges can can scratch or puncture skin. That is the nature of my metal assemblages.
My journey into art started later in life as a single mom, studying during late nights. With no training before this, I started from scratch – teaching myself drawing from a book. From there, I began formal instruction with valued instructors, mentors and completed the art program at Columbia College, Columbia, MO.
