For people from indigenous cultures the process of creation is often equally important to their spiritual lives, as are the objects that result. To experience that process of creative immersion is also a significant aspect of my own artistic intent.

Texture is a key element in my work. Whether it is a piece of jewelry or a somewhat larger small sculpture, the surfaces of my work are replete with etched, folded, or controlled texture. The shapes are volumetric, over-inflated rectilinear forms that suggest a human feature or organic reference.
    
Art is, for me, a connection to the natural world that is more direct than any other aspect of my life. My journey to this place of creation has been a circular one, encompassing many experiences, both challenging and creative. Birth, death, love, frustration - balance and support me as I navigate this process of expression and connection to the relationships that make up my time on this earth.

My intent is that this work will inspire inner reflection in the viewer and that they may find beauty or something compelling or thought-provoking in the work.

EDUCATION

San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
    Bachelor of Fine Arts - Spatial Art 2008
    Bachelor of Art – Art Education 2008
    Single Subject Teaching Credential – Art 2010     
 
Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA
   Associate of Arts Degree 2005- High Honors
       Studio Art, emphasis in metalsmithing/jewelry

Relevant coursework: Metalsmithing, Casting,
Textile Techniques, Stone Setting, Soldering Techniques, Advanced Jewelry Fabrication, Enameling, Hydraulic Press Forming, Photo Etching, Mold Making; Ceramic Sculpture, Pit Fire Techniques, Figure Modeling/Drawing, Painting, Watercolor


EXHIBITIONS

2010  Alumni Jewelry and Small Sculpture Exhibition

                        Art Building, San Jose State University

2009  Member Exhibition

                        Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, CA

2008    Metals Movement III – Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, CA

                        MPC Jewelry Club Sale

                                    Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA

Expressions in Metal – Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, CA

California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts,

Davis, CA

the space between . . . .- San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Bachelor of Fine Arts project exhibition

Metals in Motion - Oakland Museum of California Collector’s Gallery,

Oakland, CA

Current Artworks - Gallery 5, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA,

                        Best of Raku – Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA

 

2007  Light – Gallery 3, San Jose State University, San Jose CA

Imagination in Metal - Oakland Museum of California Collector’s Gallery,

Oakland CA

Artifact - Herbert Sanders Gallery, San Jose State University,

San Jose CA

 

2006   Essential Element, Trapped, Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, CA

  Herbert Sanders Gallery, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

  San Jose State University Art Building “Phone Booth”, San Jose, CA

 

2005   Cabrillo College Gallery, Aptos, CA

 

2002  Santa Cruz Government Center, Santa Cruz CA

            Santa Cruz Health Center, Santa Cruz, CA

            Sunset Center Holiday Art Show, Carmel, CA

            Essential Element, Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild,

Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, CA

 

2001  Noggins, Cabrillo College Gallery, Aptos, CA

            Sunset Center Holiday Art Show, Carmel, CA

            Scholarship Show, Cabrillo College Gallery, Aptos, CA

            Essential Element, Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild,

Monterey Glass School, New Monterey, CA

                        Yuma Symposium Student Show, Yuma, AZ

 

2000  Noggins, Cabrillo College Gallery, Aptos, CA

            Sunset Center Holiday Art Show, Carmel, CA

 

1999  Boulder Creek Art and Wine Festival, Boulder Creek, CA

Corralitos Holiday Faire, Corralitos, CA

 

1998    Corralitos Holiday Faire, Corralitos, CA

 

1997   La Selva Beach Holiday Gift Faire, La Selva Beach, CA

 

Scholarships, Grants and Awards

 

Thelma and Carl Ulrich Endowment Scholarship

            San Jose State University, San Jose, CA – 2008

 

Thelma and Carl Ulrich Endowment Scholarship

            San Jose State University, San Jose, CA – 2007

 

Cary P. and Edith J. Gray Visual Arts Endowed Scholarship

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2005

 

Merritt S. Duncan Scholarship

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2005

           

Rachel Spencer Re-entry Endowed Scholarship

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2002

           

Palace Art and Office Supply Award

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2002

           

Yuma Symposium Scholarship

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2001

           

Helen Y. Irwin Memorial Award for Visual and Performing Arts

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2001

           

Mary Wright Galipeaux Memorial Art Endowed Scholarship

            Cabrillo College Aptos, CA – 2001


ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS

Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, CA

Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild, Monterey, CA

Silicon Valley Metal Arts Guild, San Jose, CA
    
Society Of North American Goldsmiths

Yuma Art Symposium - Yuma AZ - 2001

Arts Academy Facilitator - Mission Hill Middle School 2010

Capitola Recreation Instructor - 1997,1998, 2010





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