The plants and animals of the West are a treasure trove of subjects for my work. From the Mojave to the Sierras to the Mediterranean climate of the Bay Area, our native species offer a diverse mosaic of breathtaking beauty. My boldly colored, textured, three-dimensional wall sculptures explore the outrageously brash forms of wild California.

 

In my metalwork wall sculptures I use the soldering iron as a paintbrush, allowing the hot solder to set into a textured pattern that looks like tree bark. Then I add more dimension to the metal by strategically placing beads of solder to create depth and contrast. The whole piece is covered with a rich black patina, and burnished with steel wool to bring out shining highlights on the raised peaks, while leaving dark in the valleys. Finally, I abrade the painted panels with steel wool to let multiple layers of underpaint peek through.

 

I use the same soldering techniques in my lightboxes, but I overlay the work with thick, clear architectural glass, rich with bubbles and streaks. I use stained-glass techniques in my lightboxes, but I don’t use stained glass. As much as possible, I want everything to be made by my own hand. I paint the images with India ink on layers of specially treated Mylar, and stack them behind the glass, giving an illusion of depth. Flip the switch, and tiny lights behind the glass shine like fireflies or stars across the big, bold California sky.

 

With so many of California’s unique natives on the endangered species list, my work also serves as a reminder for us to protect the grandeur that surrounds us. With this in mind, I donate a portion of the proceeds from sales to the California Native Plant Society.