The Instrument Art I create begins with a lot of staring at the instrument, looking at the shape, and figuring out what animal it could be. I use epoxy clay, and as many parts of the original piece as I can include, like strings, pegs, chin rests, etc. The artwork is part sculpture, part assemblage, part painting. I love it best when you can see the mileage already on the instrument, its backstory makes it all the more interesting. Worn spots ,frayed edges, peeling finishes all help form a more compelling and distinctive unrepeatable piece of wall sculpture.

Animals! All the animals! I love the quirkiness of animals, especially birds who have so much sassiness and can contort into delightfully weird positions. They have become one of my favorite subjects and I love bringing out their personalities! Octopuses are just plain fascinating, I love them–and they are so much fun (and easy) to paint, with their arms just waving off in all directions. And since I think in terms of a “story” I generally want my subject to seem like it’s just been caught in a single moment of its busy life, a snapshot out of a dynamic timeline.