The themes I have always focused on are of a continuum revolving around life and growth. There is an optimism inherent in my work which I have tried to reinforce in the face of a seemingly constant barrage of negativity and pessimism coming at us from many sources. The beauty of Nature in its many forms continues to inspire me and inform my work. We are often too absorbed by the day to day of our own small existence to visualize and recognize the grand scheme which is transpiring around us. My aim is to celebrate the beauty of the progression of life as it ever unfolds and reveals itself.
My earliest pieces of glass sculpture utilized the blown glass form of an egg, which was then divided by a cut plate of glass. These forms were then put in relation to each other by suspending them on a larger plate of glass. From this series sprouted the "Timbertotems". The "Timbertotems" reflect a period of rapid growth in my ideas and the scale of my work. They represent the best aspects of Humankind's development in relationship to Nature. The architectural elements of these pieces are inspired by timber frame construction, a most honorable, strong, and beautiful form of building. They are also inspired by the rapid shooting skyward of young plants seeking light. The "Timbertotems" begin to bloom and unfold in "Red Monk", "Dance of the Spirits", and "Bittersweet". Music, especially Jazz, has always been a major influence in my work, and the titles of these pieces are taken from different tunes. The horn form is a tribute to the improvisational nature of the music, and its relationship to the dance of glassblowing.
In "So May It Secretly Begin" and "Fantasy and Destiny", I am combining wood and stone with blown and solid glass. Glass continues to be the focal point of the work, with the other materials playing a supporting role. The base of these sculptures is mica schist, a sedimentary rock which was the bottom of the ocean 400 million years ago. Pieces of carved cherry burl hold the glass. The figuration and decay of this wood is caused by a bacteria which disrupts it's normal growth. The juxtaposition of these materials provide a basis for the expansion of our existence. We are from the ooze that is now this stone. We are supported by Nature in all its apparent beauty and imperfection. May our spirits soar!!
My most recent series of sculpture is inspired by the folkloric tradition of Afro-Cuban percussion and dance. The music that came from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas is based not on the individual, but on the group efforts of the community. It takes everyone in the group, playing their part, to create the melody. I find a strong correlation between this community ritual, and the teamwork of the Italian glassblowing tradition. These pieces are blown and hot-worked solid glass, mounted on wooden bases. I celebrate the expression of community, it’s music, rituals and identity, with my masks, drums, and dancers.
