I have had the pleasure of working in the field of jewelry and metalwork since 1971 when I took my first course in metals at the University of Georgia. Over thirty years later, I am still fascinated with the materials, processes, and ideas involved in making metal art. After receiving a BFA and a MFA from The University of Georgia, I set up a studio and began taking commissions and continued making one-of-a-kind objects to exhibit. Also, I began to teach metalwork classes part time through the UGA Department of Visual Art, through the UGA Continuing Education Program, and through the local Athens-Clarke County Art Center. I have also taught art classes and have done workshops with many diverse groups from elementary to high school students, to art teachers, museum groups, boy scouts, and Elderhostel students. Sharing ideas and techniques with others continues to be a fulfilling experience.
I have made a wide range of objects from jewelry, vases, medallions, bowls, and cups to birdcages, bollards, gates and doors. The objects that I make tell a story, relate a concept or record an observation. The subjects that interest me seem to remain constant: nature, science theories and discoveries, the beauty of form, materials and detail. The visual and physical elements in the immediate environment are starting points. The process of making an object is pure pleasure. I strive for excellent craftsmanship and the ability to distill a discovery of seeing or perceiving.
For the past several years I have enjoyed making presentation pieces for various organizations. I am honored to have had the opportunity to make presentation pieces for “The Delta Prize for Global Understanding” award, sponsored by Delta Airlines and the University of Georgia, which is given annually to a person who promotes world peace and understanding. Gary Noffke and I designed and made an edition of ten of these awards. As of 2004, recipients include: President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter and the Carter Center, President Mikhail Gorbachev, Mrs. Sadako Ogata, Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu, and President Vaclav Havel.
I have also made several “Pinnacle Award” presentation pieces for the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia. These are awarded to outstanding alumni and donors of the College. The “Manufacturer of the Year” award is presented to three outstanding manufacturing businesses in the State of Georgia each year. I designed and have made these awards for several years. I have also designed and made the John D. Kehoe Scholarship medallion which is given each year to a student studying in Italy with The University of Georgia.
Currently, I am working on a body of work examining the issues involved with disease, illness and the roles of science, religion, hope and chance in the search for cures.