Sculpting a creative life
Rusty chains, sparkly crystals and collected treasures outside my studio lead into a world of creations…
160 Hideaway Trail, Livingston, MT
Momma Nature is unfurling her regal autumn regalia - inviting me to open my doors and share the harvest. Several never-before-seen art series, little gems and giant creations will be revealed. Live music, fun gifts and the joy of gathering in this special place at the end of the road above our sweet little town and the Yellowstone River. Come and see us.
Here is an exclusive first look at one of my latest creations. “Gemma” is one of the originals from a new series of charcoal drawings…Zen Rabbits. Meditations on spirit, crafted with poetic grace and soulful depth, each drawing transcends “rabbit” to reveal something truly spiritual and contemplative.
Stay tuned for the full unveiling!
I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole, into a realm where light dances with vibrant hues and shadows play with time. Here, evocative scenes invite contemplation and transcend ordinary boundaries.
My journey began at the fluffy tail end of 2022, nudged into action by my forever-love of rabbits. As I blended paint and passion, the rabbits multiplied, their presence unknowingly aligning with the “Year of the Rabbit.” Soon, a raven persisted in joining the ensemble, adding its own mysterious allure to the gathering.
This series is an unfolding adventure, a collection of auspicious moments captured on canvas, where each stroke is a step deeper into the unknown. The paintings and drawings, scattered like stars across my studio, are more than art—they are invitations to cross into thresholds of luminance, where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.
I haven’t a clue where these paths will lead us, but I am eager to explore them together.
Raymond and I found ourselves in the beautiful Colorado wilderness around this time last year, driven by the sole purpose – or rather, a soul purpose: delivering the original clay otter sculptures to one of the country's most esteemed foundries. After five months of anticipation, the first few otter sculptures became available in May. Since then, these playful otter pairs have been joyfully making their way into collectors' homes.
Finally, the moment has arrived when I have a few in stock and can officially announce them to the world. Crafted in solid bronze, these otters are eager to infuse your holiday season with love, whimsy, and a touch of mischief.
Experimenting in the studio and here on the blog (as I rarely show unfinished paintings). But here is one that hasn’t quite found it’s final finesse…
Years ago I created a very special palm-size bronze eaglet sculpture for Eaglemount - a near-and-dear-to-my-heart non-profit. The little sculpture was named after an inspiring youngster who lost his life to cancer. The “little eaglet who could” sculpture continues to help raise funds for Eaglemount. A few years later I was commissioned to create a large version of the little bugger for Eaglemount’s new playground. We visited recently for a community event when Raymond snapped this candid photo.
Detail from “Secret Miracles at Work
“Secret Miracles at Work” was the very first reliquary tree sculpture. Daisy let me work in Freeman’s studio back then. I’d had this vision of opening trees…the niche and the hinges were essential clear-to-me basics of the vision.
Three eggs; nested - were an image that appeared three totally different occasions in various ways that couldn’t be ignored and offered a starting point. Four more reliquary trees completed the first series. This first sculpture in the first series was the beginning yet it was also a punctuation point for me as the idea of adding my grandmother’s lingerie persisted ‘til I listened; finally adding the lacy embellishment as the final touch to this piece upon completing the series.
“Sacred Roots” is the compelling title of the current exhibition at the Bozeman Art Museum in which I’m honored to have been asked to show along with the compelling artworks of many artists whom I admire in a theme near and dear to my heart.
“Secret Miracles at Work” - the very first tree reliquary
18” x 24”
Know that you can go within and listen…
Intermingled stories (each tree and my own)
Listening. Looking. Connecting. Revealing. Journey. Prayer.
“Reliquary Tree Sculptures”
The fire in the studio stove crackles with all the enthusiasm of a jazzed up southern Baptist church choir on this Sunday morning. Three feet of fresh fluffy snow drapes our mountaintop in reverent silence. I flow my devotion with color upon color…
Much to reflect, celebrate, envision, step out of, step into…
Wishing each of you courage, love, faith, good health, adventure, compassion and community in the NEW year.
Year of the Rabbit
A whispered invitation to witness a life lived…
“A Hare Past Twilight”
Fundraiser projects have dominated my studio time the past few weeks. The Bozeman Art Museum asked me to create and donate a business card size piece of art for their fundraiser. Little paintings can actually take as long as big paintings but I embraced the tiny format (if you happen to be looking at this image on your cell phone then it is likely close to the real life size). My desire was to create an itty bitty painting with a big presence - intriguing and mystical…
Mixed media painting with pieces of Bhutanese prayer flags
Created especially for the annual fundraiser gala, the painting “Windhorse” raised $5500 for Heros and Horses. The painting was inspired by my reliquary tree sculpture, “Freedom Found.”
A whispered invitation to witness a life lived…
Detail photo: Swarovski crystals hang from a stained glass and steel bird cage in a reliquary tree sculpture.
The tree and me.
We have stories.
Intermingled. Layered like wood grain. Cracked and a scarred yet adorned with crystal.
Tears. Hope. Joy. Pain.
Just like you…
“Secret Miracles at Work”
texture created with a chainsaw…
Feel it beckon?
You may touch.Here. With your eyes.
There. With your heart
The desire to touch is in our nature.
Mother Nature touches back.
Always and in all ways…
Solo show at Paris Gibson Museum of Art
I had just started ice climbing during the period the first series of reliquary tree sculptures were created. I lived in the same cabin I do now, at the end of the road near the top of a mountain. The cabin was bare bones. I slept on a (constantly deflating) inflated mattress on the floor of my cabin which hadn’t the luxury of plumbing for seven years. Luckily fellow climbers gifted me their old gear and allowed me to rope in with them to explore frozen waterfalls. The iridescent shard of glass seemed an extravagant purchase but it reminded me of the magic and allure of ice. Life is full of unexpected bits of light in the darkest places; often experienced most fully when we open ourselves to the unknown.
“I Have Heard the Dead Singing” (detail photo)
Bunny tracks in the snow - Easter blessings abound…
Raymond took these photos during the patina process at the Adonis Foundry in Salt Lake City. Two of the three local bronze foundries I’ve worked with for more than twenty years did not survive the multiple challenges brought on by COVID, thus I’ve been prompted to look beyond the local foundry scene. Bronze casting has been around since the third millennium B.C. The industry (along with so many industries) has been hit hard with major increases in the cost of materials, shipping and hard-to-find skilled labor. Bronze art can be passed through generations and enjoyed for thousands of years - a enduring medium in a world of increasingly disposable things.
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