SKIN 2003 index

This current work from the "Mesh Series" or "Relief Pieces" has its roots in figurative forms. It has been described as "frozen moments of time" by Timothy Hagen , Gallery Director in Tacoma, WA., or as "The rare thing when one can capture a moment in life; frozen,using glass + metal." These pieces also stem from my interest in ergonomics and my ideas of pushing the media and the materials of traditional enameling, metal and glass or glass on metal, to yet another height or level for working, while integrating more compatible pyro-materials with experimental and traditional enamel techniques. This also allows me to hand shape each piece, [without the use of heavy hammers and other forces to forge the metal into new shapes]; before the enamel process begins, as well as, reshaping the piece during the heating or firing process. This is when the most warping or morphing of the metal with the fluidity of glass occurs. Until the piece is finished the nature of it is always changing and flexible.

Brooches can adorn the body as well as the walls. Popularized in the Victorian times, "Lover’s Brooches" were brooches which had an eye painted on to ivory, or later could have used a photograph. They were to represent the eye of one’s true love, which would protect the wearer, while also observing if the wearer was being faithful or not.