In the mid 70’s, I began making toys: simple flat cut and painted animals, birds, and constructed farm sets, Noah’s Arks, Dinosaur caves, and Fairy Tales. I kept hearing from people that they were keeping the toys, not wanting kids to be too rough with them.

This probably was the incentive to make more elaborate, developed pieces which were much more to my personal interest. Also, I could more freely use my sculpture and painting abilities.

There was a pull for describing and including more personal feeling and narrative into pieces. Stories were rarely specific, but there was a desire to imply more than a representation of the subject.

Birds, animals and mythology continue to offer endless possibilities. Sometimes it’s a direct experience with animals that makes me want to make a piece, and often it might be a graphic or gestural quality that inspires. Foxes, birds, cats , and “night life” animals are around and are a current interest , especially as we share the environment.

The Egyptian mythology fascination took hold not only as great story, but also as a means to wonder about how Life came to be. All cultures have their origin myths, but the Egyptian version intrigues me through the physical abundance of art and writings that remain. Obvious or not, many of the stories and spiritual meanings are within the boat and moon pieces I make.

As I make sculpture, wall pieces, etcetera, I still, at best want to keep the feeling of playfulness, light or dark, in the work. Toys are for all ages, and reminders to keep lighthearted.

I attended the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) and majored in Sculpture. For many years, I participated in craft shows, including ten of the Philadelphia Craft Shows..