In my work forms are blown large to the point of torso size,  with such words as Shivering,  or Langourous deeply etched into the surface.  I am interested in the idea of “naming” that leads to possession. For example on a large perfume bottle form,  I want that word to "be" the essence. The works, titled Persuasion Series, are meant to convince the viewer of the containment of the uncontainable, the capturing of that which is unattainable, the holding or grasping of that which survives only in our memory, our perception.

Another group of works "Spinner series", though large and virtuoso in execution, hint at the cosmology of a child's toy - magic, possibility, transformation, chance and symbol. There is a ”devotion to small things” echoing Klee’s sentiments, where the expressive point connects to each other through a deep sense of wonder in the human experience.

I have been canoeing the rivers of Western Pennsylvania for the last 14 years with a small group of women.  We take to the river with gear, setting up camp for two nights and plotting a trip that takes us three days to complete.  That river experience, the shallow gently rippling water and the cool rain that we might encounter, informs the underlying structure of my new works.  A drop, clear spheres, simple crystal structures – these are meant to allude to the existence of a body, a bridge, the sea.

There is a sensuality in each, a base of patinaed steel like the undecurrents passing over a shallow river bed, an etched and bent glass surface that seems skin-like and in turn like water, with lattice structures or cellular forms resting on the surface.  There is some reference to biology, to an essentialism that leads to a deeper reverie regarding nature, memory, resources, people, things we must cherish and take care of because they are so delicate.

 

 

Awards and Honors:

2008            Fine Foundation Award for Leadership Pittsburgh Year Long Study Program

2007            Women in the Arts, 36 Founders, Pioneers, Instigators,  New Hazlett Theater,             Pittsburgh

2005            Distinguished Alumni in the Arts,  Kean University Alumni Association, Union NJ

2006            Speaker, The Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women,  David Lawrence             Convention Center, Pittsburgh

2004            Feature, Women in the Arts, Pennsylvania Commonwealth of Women 2004

2004-2008            Permanent Artist in Residence/Artistic Advisor,  Pittsburgh Glass Center

2003-present            Member,  International Womens’ Forum, 

1997            Artist in Residence,  Cité Internationale des Arts,  Paris,  France

1996            Creative Achievement Award,  Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

1994            Artist in Residence,  Mid Atlantic Arts Fellowship, Studio Access to Glass, Corning, NY

1993, 83, 81            Individual Artist Fellowship,  Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

1992            Artist of the Year,  Pittsburgh Center for the Arts,  Pennsylvania

1991-2003   Co-Founded and directed the development and content of the Pittsburgh Glass Center

1991            Masterworks Fellow,  Creative Glass Center of America, Millville, New Jersey

1984            Fulbright, Lusk Memorial Award,  Murano, Italy

1980            Visiting Artist,  ArtPark, Lewiston, New York

1978            Invited Participant to the World Crafts Council, Kyoto Japan

1979            National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship Award

 

Collections:

American Art Museum,  Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

American Eagle Outfitters Headquarters, Pittsburgh, PA

American Craft Museum, New York City

Bayer Corporation

Carnegie Mellon University Library, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

City of Pittsburgh, Light Rail Transit

Deloitte and Touche Headquarters, Pittsburgh

Duquesne Light Corporate Headquarters,  Pittsburgh

Museum of Art,  Carnegie Institute,  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Corning Museum of Glass,  Corning, New York

Heinz History Center

Nova Chemicals inc.

State Museum of Pennsylvania,  Harrisburg

Westinghouse Corporation,  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Westmoreland County  Museum of Art,  Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

Education:

1972-74  M.F.A., Glass Sculpture,  Minor in Dimensional Design,  Alfred University, Alfred, New York

1968-72  B.A., Art Education, Minor in Ceramics and Glass,  Kean University, Union, New Jersey