Asheville, NC
828-251-0307

Media: Mixed Media

Emotionally compelling facial expressions,eclectic costuming and magnificent color harmonies are hallmarks of my figurative sculptures. I am honored to be a juried artist member of NIADA and Piedmont Craftsmen as well as SHCG.

I create captivating mixed media figurative sculptures. One of a kind paper clay heads are hand sculpted,modeled and carved then dehydrated to produce a lightweight , but very strong character head. A gossamer silk skin is applied over the head and finished with colored pencil details.Emotionally compelling facial expressions,eclectic costuming and magnificent color harmonies are combined with fine craftsmanship learned as a former jeweler. Within the context of the human face and figure I seek to illustrate the universal emotions of vulnerability,tenderness and meloncholy. Recycled woven straw,real garden gourds,industrial rubber O-Rings,vintage bone buttons and lawn chair replacement tape are materials juxtaposed with classic natural fibers in unexpected harmony. I am inspired by circus costumes, classic 1940`s pin-up art, naughty bustiers,garden vegetables, and the human desire for love ,affection and humor. Shows and Exhibitions 2010 May Gatlinburg Crafts Show Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Doll Demonstration- more info later June 7-29 Through the Rabbit Hole - invitational show The Carrabus Historic Courthouse Galleries Concord,NC Artist Reception on June 25, 6-9pm July 19-21 Annual Niada Conference/Show and Sale International Figurative art conference open to non- members .register at www.niada.org Chicago,Illinois Hotel location to be announced shortly September 3-25 Humor Theme PCI Members Show-all media Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery 601 North Trade Street Winston-Salem NC November19-21 Piedmont Craftsmen`s 47th Fair Benton Convention Center Winston -Salem,NC Booth # ? Teaching August 8-14 Small Dolls-Big Fun The John C. Campbell Folk School Brasstown,NC Small dolls are fun to make and relatively fast to complete . Learn to sculpt paper clay heads and create multiples of your best efforts using flexible silicone molds. Go home with lots of heads to finish later and at least one 6-8 inch fully costumed doll. See Folk School Catalog for complete class description. Books and Magazine Articles with my work: 500 Handmade Dolls - 2007, Lark Books Cover art plus five additional pieces An international compliation of contemporary figurative art curated by Akira Blount. Divided by media. NIADA Art Dolls -Rich Traditions ,New Ideas 2009, Niada Foundation and The Susan Quinlan Doll and Bear Museum A comprehensive history of Niada`s founding artists through the present international artist membership. Curated by recent president Shelly Thornton. pages 102,103,114,130 Order directly from www.niada.org Art Doll Quarterly, February 2010 pages 26-31 ,feature illustrated article Designing a Cohesive Body of Work by L.Keeble Contemporary Doll Collector, November 2008 pages24-25 Dollmakers of theSoutern Highland Craft Guild by Chandra Cerchione-Peltier Doll,The International Doll Collector`s Magazine August/September 06 Making Dolls Come Alive With Color Feature article byVirginia Davis Illustrated with early work dated 2005