Flaming Skull!

New studio video: silver skull flaming during torching.  Don't worry, this is normal!

Flaming Skull Video

Silver Booty in the works

There are so many steps in this process and from beginning to end each step is approached with curiosity, excitement and finished with gratification.

After sculpting, the pieces are warmed with a mug warmer to make sure the clay is dry throughout so that it won't break when firing.

When drying, I can always carve and file to get my desired details and textures.

When dry, it's time to break out the mini torch and fire away the clay and bind the silver.  I love when it gets to the peach color signifying that it's almost ready.

After they have cooled, the pieces are ready for polishing.  My little wire brush is usually all I need.  I can always break out the Dremel for hard to reach nooks and crannies.

Owlet pendent, 10g silver.  It's so cute, right?

Skull pendant, 26g silver.  
This rocks for sure!

This is the other side, cool right?

Moth inspired ring, 17g silver, size 7.


Rings always take longer because you have to make the ring and the piece separate and then fuse together.  It gets tricky sometimes.
Check out the videos of this ring being fired up!

Portraits

Trying to get this one done by Fridays deadline and b4 I start feeling sick.

Socks

Painting with my trusted assistant Socks. Occasionally she steps on my canvas when she wants attention and I try to be mad but she's just too cute.

Art Therapy

Finding the energy during chemo to paint in spurts.

Artist's Statement...

Artist Statement

When I work with my hands, I am reminded that I am human, that I am embarking on a journey of creation and discovery.
The work that I do reflects my passions, fascinations, fears, doubts, joys & realizations. Depending on the chosen medium, the piece may be a representation of my pleasure in playing with color, patterns and design. I begin a piece by gazing at my chosen material until I see shapes come to life through imperfections, shadows and light. The materials I choose usually depend on my mood, and my techniques are born from experimenting with the media.
I know a piece is done when I can walk away from it, feeling balanced and confident. When my work is going well I am filled with a sense of attainment and triumph as I have carried an idea through to execution.
When people see my work, I want them to stare for a while and let their senses be awakened and their minds become fascinated and stimulated. I want them to be enlivened and encouraged by the realization of our connection.