In 5th grade I remember doing a scratchboard of a gibbon, thus making me want to recreate it. Gibbon is done with charcoal, and by using a kneaded eraser; I have achieved different values throughout the piece.
At a distance the two drawings – Gibbon and Wolf – look very similar. However, upon closer inspection you will see quite a difference in technique variations, as well as media. I chose to draw Gibbon with charcoal, whereas with Wolf I used ink and pencil to make stippling and hatching marks thus creating a similar value of shading throughout the work.
Wolf and Fox drawings inspired a series of work featuring animals that the Native Americans saw as being symbolic to their way of life. The thing is, after completing my wolf and fox drawings, I was surfing the web and came across some Native American spirit animal websites. This research inspired me to start a line of artwork devoted to the Native American portion of my heritage. Yes, that’s right. I am, in fact, part Native American. I am 1.5625 % or 1/64th Chippewa. My great X 4 grandmother was 100% Native American.
After being bored out of my mind for quite some time, I ordered some materials and began making jewelry. Antique pewter rings embrace three strands of natural leather cord in a rich green hue offering an artisanal look. This trendy bracelet features eighteen silver beads and a hammered grid closure. I personally think the closure looks like a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal square. These bracelets were just a little something I made for the Operation Christmas Child event at my church. I also gave one to a friend as a late birthday/early Christmas present. I think she really liked it. When my aunt saw my Triple Leather Cord bracelets, she suggested I sell them on a website called "Etsy." She would know, too, being a jeweler herself. Then, my grandmother offered to take them to a retail store in central Nebraska the next time she came to Lincoln for a visit. Of course I said “yes.”
Jewel Spectrum is a chunky necklace including many different types of colorful beads. The spectrum of bead colors and transparencies vary from faceted blue and round yellow-orange to simulated red coral and solid olive green. Floral Pendant features a complex system of weavings throughout the makings of a large floral pendant. With a citrine colored center surrounded by transparent green faceted beads, this is a piece fit for only the boldest of bead fanatics. Green & Blue Crystal Beaded Necklace reflects light off of crystal-like beads in a most elegant way. Consisting of blue, green, and a few silver and red beads, this piece is fairly light and measures approximately 20 inches.
Alebrijes (pronounced ah-lay-BREE-hays) are iconic Mexican folk art sculptures of imaginary creatures that have attributes of many different animals. The process of creating the Alebrijes began with my drawing of a fantastical creature which combines elements of a bear, wolf, saber-toothed tiger, and winged-lizard. An armature or structural frame of cardboard, tape, and newspaper was then fashioned into the shape of the body. Next, sheets of plaster gauze, plain brown paper, and newspaper were applied to the frame with a solution made of flour and water. Once sufficiently dried, wondrous extremities were added including horns, fierce teeth, a tail, and an expansive set of wings. The final figure was then painted with intricate patterns of color. My Alebrijes was displayed at the 7th Annual Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration on November 3, 2013 at the Sheldon Museum of Art.
When creating Ape Man, I was pushed to use acrylic paint in new ways. Instead of starting with a specific idea, I experimented with various combinations of color, lines, shapes, and patterns – much like brainstorming. During this experimentation phase an image or idea emerges and inspires the direction of my work. This has helped me gain insight and react to the work as it is evolving. Being prepared to adjust and work with inspiration as it comes has led me to more complex outcomes. Ape Man was entered in a juried competition and was accepted for display at an exhibition that is currently being held in Louisville, Kentucky.
