Born and raised in Bowling Green, Ohio, I was always involved in art, and I took art classes from an early age up through college. While attending the University of Toledo, I took an elective in Metals and fell in love with the medium. I received a BFA in Painting with a Minor in Metalsmithing in 2005. Since then I have established my own home studio and obtained my Paramedic license. My "day job" and its required studies of and interaction with human anatomy have influenced my recent explorations.
I am inspired by the human body, the internal, unknown hidden parts we never see. These secret recesses create subtle inescapable effects on our daily lives. Cardiac and skeletal especially fascinate me due to their simultaneous strength and fragility. These parts are extracted, transected, simplified, and abstracted. The flattened organs become less gory and intimidating, and more accessible. Form and function are thus demystified.
My jewelry illustrates the contrast between the natural internal environment of the body and our artificial perception of it. Anatomical forms interact with Formica, aluminum, and other modern materials to emphasize skewed interpretations of the body, as well as its imperfect intersection with the man made environment. These materials are also a reflection of myself. The colorful laminated formica used in my work were cut from actual samples used in the showroom of my families' former business. Various aluminum items such as screen doors and windows were sold in the family store. The cold yet reflective aluminum provides both framework and content for the anatomical forms.
All sales on original artwork are final. No discounts apply.