ART
Mahogany Pods
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Mahogany Pods are a gift that nature provides once a year. Dropping from the tree and splitting into sections they are then drilled and attached in various shapes and sizes. When secured with wire or filament it has a new life and intention.
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Horsetail Rush
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Horsetail (Equisetum) Rush has been a constant contributor in my work. Found in boggy areas l have been gathering at the same 5 acres near the Mississippi River for the last 25 years. Being a water plant it has inspired me to represent weather conditions and as in water ....create its own sense of movement.
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Silk Floss Thorns
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Rare to find available, the Bolivian tree can be found in tropical climates in the United States. The trunk is covered in the thorns of various sizes. Inspired to create with these thorns proved to be a lovely way to interpret a bird swarm. The shadows that it offers add to its theatrical presence.
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Acacia Thorns
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The Acacia Tree plays a wonderful role in its natural habitat in African countries. Its shape serves as an umbrella for humans and animals to escape the harsh sun.. The tree is inhabited by a colony of ants that protect it from invaders wanting to posses it.
The branches, since they are of such great height, giraffes feast on the thorn covered branches. In these photos l painted them gold which seemed fitting with the smooth Venetian plaster surface. |
Re-Purposed
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Re-Purposed materials come to my door often. A local basket weaver offered me her clippings that ultimately became these turbulent compositions.
I was wanting to create some sort of nest for an exhibition and the rush once again provided me with the opportunity. 
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Rumi
Rumi has been my spirit guide for many years. His words have inspired me to play the role of scribe. Wood burning thousands of his words onto beautiful sanded logs gives me a sense of peace and calm.
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Sea Grapes
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Another annual offering. The sea grape is a plant that is popular in the tropical landscape. Once a year l gather the clusters of green sea grapes, dry them and puncture a hole in them and with wire begin the act of prayer. Thousands of sea grapes pass through my hands...each with an intention for the people in our world.
I then weave it into its shape, presenting it as an offering. As the piece settles into itself...the wire rusts and when shaken a fine terra-cotta dust will appear ...prayer dust. This is wabi-sabi. 
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