Metalsmith and figurative artist.The body is precious. Its vulnerability and likelihood for disease give rise to thoughts of mortality. Its beauty can stir the creative fires, but largely it is the recognition of seeing, feeling, and walking around in one that defines experience.  Laparoscopy I. Silver, copper, plastic, bone, rubber, patina. 10"X5"X2.5" 2009 (wall brooche)  Follicle. Imitation grapes, urethane, polymer clay, brass. 9"X7"X2" 2010  |
Associate ProfessorJewelry Design & Metalsmithing Department of Art & Design East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN 37614 Education 2002 Master Fine Arts Indiana University under Randy Long 1998 Bachelor Fine Arts Texas Tech University under Rob Glover Many thanks to those artists and teachers who have given me the inspiration and skill to speak to materials. Continue the cycle, and keep a guiding hand on those who will pass down this knowledge. Make your studio a place you want to be. -Now, back to the bench.  New Inspirations: Clay Clay was reintroduced to me a year ago by a wonderful artist, Melisa Cadell. I had not attempted to construct a serious form since 1995. She has given me new ways to create flesh and introduce organic surfaces without the weight and technical difficulties of cast bronze. Hand building has been especially meditative, and has offered the additional perk of being quickly developed and less toxic. With the addition of a clay kiln and usage of the material, other technical break throughs have begun to emerge. The students made a discovery last semester: Use clay as a third hand! B.F.A. student, Chelsea Hoilman, created some lovely brooche forms of cotton blooms by smithing the individual pieces, placing them up-side down with the tips buried in clay, and soldering the center. Try this, but make sure to use moist water-based clay and wear your safety goggles. Also, pointing the torch directly at the clay results in popping, flying pieces. Do not emerge the whole form in the clay, just use it as a third hand. Another thought: after attending a workshop by David Huang on chasing, one wonders if you can replace wax and pitch with wet clay? Nest. Low fire white, underglaze, copper, silver. 18"X6"X4" 2011  |
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Announcements: Evil, angry plasma cutter, why won't you behave.... Thank You! To the students and faculty from East Carolina University, who put together an amazing Metals Symposium III. We look forward to returning. Go to: the following links to see full sized images and a larger selection of work and methods.
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