Artist Statement and Process

Since the mid 70’s, I’ve been making toys. At first, they were simpler, for children. I’ve always been interested in birds and animals, then found that I wanted to suggest a story.

For awhile, I worked with fairy tales and classical and literary themes, and then studied Egyptian cosmology.

Eventually I made bigger constructions and wanted to call my work sculpture. However, I think my strength is in the toy-like approach to the pieces. I’m aware of how magical it is to get lost in imagination and play, and since narrative is something I love, I hopefully imply that there is an interaction and relationship going on.

Childhood was a “serious” time for me, putting together little worlds that took on an intimacy.

As an older kid, that continued. I loved working on theater sets throughout  high school.

Now, my intention is that adults who are drawn to my pieces might continue to enjoy their own creative play instincts.

Still introspective, I make things because so much that inspires comes from love of animals, and a spirituality about the beauty and complexity around us.

My process is fairly direct. I cut and carve on the band saw, using mostly poplar and pine. I use a sander and rotary tools for further refinement, followed by  lots of hand sanding. Paint is latex enamel house paint, acrylics, some metallic paints and powders, and occasionally metallic leaf.

I attended the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts), and majored in sculpture.

Over many years, I’ve been in the Philadelphia Craft Shows, American Craft Council Shows, and too many others to recount. Over the years, there were numerous times when I was the featured artist at galleries, and I’ve done a series of presentations and lectures.