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Looking back on the last sixty-six years, I can say that I may have, at times, questioned my destiny as an artist, but the fates had a very forceful way of reminding me of the direction I was to take. Since 1973 I have been designing “stained” glass art . Fourteen years ago, I discovered my joy in combining glass with metal. Initially, my inspiration came from New Mexican tinwork and I began to create metal frames for the stained glass pieces. The metal became an integral part of the artwork and I began to use copper and aluminum with the repousse' method of embossing metal. I have an affinity for ornamentation and will implement all sorts of antique jewels, beads and odd items hunted down in the salvage yards. This work is an expression of my personal process dealing with relationship, family, internal struggles, and gratitude for the fine life I have been given. I continue to be grateful for insights that lead me daily into the studio and so grateful for the support I receive from my able and talented glass fabricators, metal workers, and assistants. I have had extensive teaching experience both in my own studio and for others. My work has been featured on national television on the HGTV series "Modern Masters". I have a degree in Fine Art from the University of Denver and have done graduate work in Education at UCLA. My work has been shown in galleries in Denver, Santa Fe, Laguna Beach, Beaver Creek, Vail and Edwards, Co. and has appeared in Home and Garden Magazine. Among commissions of my work a number of my pieces appear on the University of Denver Campus in the form of a large copper repousse’ pediment, and an oval stained glass window, a copper panel and copper sculpture for the Women’s Center. The wide range of my work encompasses metal embossed ceilings, metal friezes, free standing folding screens, room dividers, metal cornices, glass and metal wall hangings, and architectural stained glass. My philosophy is reflected in the words of the Russian film director, Andrey Tarkovsky, "Creative work is his only possible form of existence, and his every work is like a deed he has no power to annul . . . receiving becomes giving and giving becomes receiving". One of my heroes, Joseph Campbell, said that creativity involves "losing yourself, giving yourself to some higher end". |