sculpture Gallery

In 2024 I attended a breast cancer retreat where I learned fly fishing. While roll casting, I was visually drawn to the way the fishing line looked like calligraphy with hidden messages. It became part of my artistic expression to untangle the inspirational words hidden in the lines.

This piece is meant to be viewed from both sides in order to read the continuous calligraphic fishing line with the message, Behold...The Rainbow. The artwork is intended to be inspirational and in reverence to natural creation.

Idaho's Salmon River holds a special place in my heart. As does the rivers and creeks of my childhood in California. Through clay in my hands my desire is to express my love for the live giving rivers.

Amphibians are special in that their fragility is balanced by their resilience. As a child who spent time hiking and exploring in the Santa Monica Mountains. While exploring a dry creek bed, I was party to a childish naiveté that thought a group of newts needed rescuing. Unfortunately they did not survive my attempt to save them in an aquarium. However, the lesson I will always remember is that nature is in balance if we as humans can allow it to be undisturbed.

I was given the opportunity to participate in the Fly Fishing retreat for breast cancer survivor run by the non-profit Casting For Recovery. I made a series of these bowls to honor the volunteers who bring so much comfort and healing to survivors. Art and nature have been elemental in my recovery.

 With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

From Wild Mercy by Mirabai Starr

“A more feminine flavor of leadership is not something that only women crave. It is nourishment for men as well. Feminine wisdom feeds the human spirit. Mary Magdalene, in her passionate spontaneity, defiance of established plot lines, and the tenderness of her devotion, is an ever-living source of this soul food. Let her nourish you as you step up now. You may look to “the Magdalene” as a role model or an empowered mystic or call upon her as a metaphysical being available as a spirit guide. Either way, she can be an ally in our reclamation of feminine wisdom and power.

In the Dark Night of the Soul, John of the Cross described Mary Magdalene’s passion for Jesus as symbolic of the birthright of the human soul so on fire for God that she will do whatever is necessary to get to her Beloved. 

Why did the Christian community fail to acknowledge Mary Magdalene as the intimate spiritual companion - probably closest disciple, maybe even spiritual equal - to Rabbi Jesus? And how has the mischaracterization of Mary Magdalene excluded women from full participation in Christ’s lineage? Mary’s way was the way of the heart. She exemplified devotion. The institutionalized church is the way of the analytical mind. Mary’s teachings are rooted in the body and grounded in direct experience with the sacred. The dogma of the church demanded unquestioned adherence to established doctrines and prescribed rituals. Given her personal relationship with Christ - a connection that did not require the intercession of a male authority figure - It isn’t difficult to see why Mary Magdalene would be perceived as a threat.”

Sometimes the muse calls you to make something that you may not finish. Lack of a proper art studio at the time of making lead to her breaking in the process of transporting her for firing. All that remains are these photos. Her creation and destruction taught me so much..