I paint book jackets for a range of subjects, specific artists, cultural topics, photographers and authors. The selected books are a reference to art history and the art of literature and libraries. I choose an image to paint for a cover illustration based on qualities such as poignancy and visual graphics. If the book is not illustrated, I find an image that is complimentary to its contents. I may also choose to paint my version of the original illustration. The cover text is included in the painting (title, author and publisher) on a hand-cut paper jacket, using a heavy weight glossy paper and acrylic paints. This process gives the book a new essence, and restores it to better shape (I try to find used books). It also makes it a functional sculpture/painting.
Hand Stitched Quilts
Totally inspired by the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama, their quilts tell the history that is carried in old work clothing, blankets, and fabrics no longer good for their original purpose. I began my first quilt with the idea to use my grandmother's old aprons (and she had a collection, as she collected everything from art to coins to hats to stone pyramids to porcelaine boxes to bird figurines to souvenirs from her travels). I feel connected to my grandma and the Gee's Bend quilters through this beautiful process.
Decorative Ceramic Plates
My ceramics practice takes place at our local adult education center. I especially like making ceramic plates. Using a hand-building technique with slabs and molds, the plates are bisque-fired, painted with mason stains and dipped in a clear or milky white glaze.
The bird plates were inspired by an exhibit of 17th and 18th century bird illustrations at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The fruit plates are a representation of my family roots in farming, primarily subtropicals. I also use fruit motifs in a watercolor practice I call "still lifes with friends".
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