INTERLOCKING WORKS

Worn under Medieval armor, chain mail is made of tiny interlocking metal rings designed to protect a body in motion. I use the chain mail pattern and other woven patterns to create ceramic works that conjure up a sense of permanence and defensive concealment. Like the ancient armor, my pieces are made of a fabric of moveable interlocking rings. Using clay to make a protective mesh is contradictory; for how can it defend anything, much less itself? Visually stone-like, the pieces appear strong and impenetrable, belying their inherent fragility.

SOCIALLY ENGAGED WORK

Collective knowledge and territorial identity are diminished when food production is no longer central to community life. In addition, growth in the experience economy and agritourism reflects a desire to reconnect to the physical world and to one’s food sources. My participatory projects build on this by generating a sense of place and community. Participants are invited to make something happen collectively; to eat, forage, harvest, or engage in other communal activities.

The projects utilize local resources and encourage environmental mindfulness. Rocks, plants, food, construction surplus and secondary markets are used to generate a connection amongst people to a locale and to each other.