Lima, Ohio
I grew up in a small town in northwest Ohio with very little exposure to the arts, or awareness of what opportunities might be available. I did, however, always have a good eye, a great deal of creative energy, and a sense of wonder at the world around me. I came from a creative family – my Mother has done every kind of needlework – my Father was a mechanical engineer who enjoyed woodworking. My two younger sisters and I learned from them, and were encouraged to try other things as well.
When I moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1981, I began taking drawing and painting classes at the Art League of Manatee County, and Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota. These classes opened up a whole new world for me. Since then I have been reading art books, taking classes, creating, and making up for lost time.
In the early 90’s I read a book that explained how to sculpt small character figures in polymer clay. I filled a full size curio with funny little people, made many gifts for family and friends, and did a few commissions. In 1998 I attended a polymer clay conference in Olympia, Washington, and participated in mini-workshops taught by internationally known polymer clay artists.
I first stumbled onto Jack Dowd’s sculpture in the 80’s at a gallery on St Armands Circle in Sarasota. I was mesmerized, but never dreamed that I might be able to do that type of work. When I saw his class in the Ringling School Continuing Studies catalog in January of 2001, I signed up immediately!
With inspiration, guidance, and encouragement from Jack Dowd, I have discovered a talent for realistic figurative sculpture, a direction for my creative energy and a new form of self-expression. I absolutely love sculpture, it now consumes most of my life!
Inspiration is everywhere. It can be triggered visually, emotionally, or by a personal experience. I always have a variety of projects in mind, and my problem is choosing. I hope the subjects that inspire me will touch the hearts of others as well.
I begin by making thumbnail sketches of my idea to decide on the best position, necessary props, etc. Once that is determined, I must photograph and measure a person of similar proportions, and do a drawing on graph paper of the subject with the correct measurements.
The sculpture begins with an armature of either aluminum wire or welded metal rod and wire mesh, depending on the size of the piece. When that has been completed, oil based clay is applied to the armature in roughly the right shape, paying attention to the measurements on the graph paper drawing. Tools are used to create the details – wrinkles, seams, facial features, etc. This can be done either by addition or subtraction, I use both methods in my sculpture.
When the sculpture is finished to my satisfaction a mold is made – by a professional moldmaker at a foundry. Castings are made from the mold and returned to me for chasing. This includes sanding, removing excess material, filling air bubbles, etc. At this point the foundry can do some additional steps to cast the piece in bronze, or I can finish it as I choose.
The sculpture can be finished with metal coatings to resemble bronze or other metal, or painted a solid color or natural colors. Not all of my pieces are painted in natural colors, but I also enjoy this process. It’s very much like painting a picture, but in 3D.
I currently have pieces in each stage of development. I find that’s the ideal situation. When I come to a stumbling block on one, I move to another until I can think my problem through and tackle it with a clear head.
National Polymer Clay Guild, Precious Metal Clay Guild, American Craft Council, American Society of Marine Artists, National Sculpture Society
Art Center Sarasota, Art League of Manatee County, The Arts Center St Petersburg, Venice Art Center, Longboat Key Center for the Arts, Manatee County Emergency Services Memorial Committee, Arts Council of Manatee County
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