Inspired by the figure form, nature, as well as design components and subject matter used during the Victorian art era I create three dimensional work of art. I work with all types of metals ferrous (i.e steel), semi-precious metals (i.e. copper, nickle, brass), and precious metals (i.e silver) creating jewelry and sculptures. I realized my real passion was metal-smithing. Forging, welding, soldering, casting and etching are some of the processes and techniques i use. I am very interested in the subtractive method. To remove material and introduce negative space as a component is a reoccurring element in my work. I am also very interested in building objects around space. I recently created two figure forms out of steel that rely on the negative space. The concept is to not only create a figure with more negative space than material but to challange the stability of the forms and find a balance with limited contact points to the floor. I try and sometimes find a duality in my works, mostly my figure forms. With subtle details I create this duality and expose intentionally or unintentionally this idea about the subject. I am also very interested in the literature, philosophy, social status, design components and subjects found as a common theme in most Victorian era art. I like to create sculptures as well as wearable ones that utilize the design components of filagree, cabriol legs, patinas and scrolls. My subjects relate to philosophy such as virtues and scientific methods, the role of women and their status in society historically and their self image and empowerment; I am also very inspired by nature and the cycle of life and so i often use nature as a subject in my work. I incorporate chemical patinas, heat patinas and rust as a design component because i find antiqued and aged things to be appealing aesethically as well as the idea that it could be of historic value.
Many of my wearable works are sharp and not practical in its wearability. There is also a duality in those by which i create something as beautiful as a rose but if you touch it, it will prick you. There is some sort of a message to beware of or keep distance from the wearer, who is myself. I use metal as a primary medium because i like its workability and its durability to withstand archivally as it ages. I use its archival property as part of the concept of my nature inspired works. I want to achieve a sense of permanence for nature. I am intrigued by the cycles of life and the changing of the seasons. Nature is forever changing, the losing of leaves and the changes in color happen so quickly that I wish to preserve those states.
I wish to continue my exploration and incorporation of philosophy, literature, nature, historically iconic females and the challenges of balance, instability and negative space as a common theme. I also wish to push the limits of the workability of metal. I want to reintroduce Victorian art aesethically and conceptionally with contemporary twists on the subjects and subtle details that alter the traditional Victorian element of elegance.
