Meet the Maker

So I thought it appropriate since I am Friday's featured artist for Smithsonian Craft2Wear to post a short bio. and the (ever so infrequent) portrait shot.

I was born in 1968 in Baltimore, MD but grew up in a tiny Pennsylvania town, the eldest child of a high school art teacher and the most encouraging mother who thought I could do anything I set my mind to. (I think she secretly hoped I'd illustrate children's books and hey, there's still time.)

I studied communication design and then craft (so thats ceramics, fiber, metal...) at Kutztown University. Next I started toward working toward an art education certification, got married...and found out I was pregnant.

After 15 years dedicated to raising kids (3) and home schooling, I found myself with a bit more free time and stumbled upon polymer clay.  Here I had found a material that was approachable, did not require a huge outlay in new tools, could safely be worked on with kids in tow and, importantly, with which I could take everything I had studied (see above) and apply it in someway.  It provided me a very easy re-entry into what I liked to make, wearable sculpture.

Although I continue to find the material compelling, I'm also slowly growing my studio practice to include more metalwork, recycled paper and other recycled materials.

If you're interested in keeping up to date with my shows and new work you are welcome to sign up for my emails at my main website. I only send about 1 or maybe 2 emails per month because I'm sure your life is busy enough and of course I never, ever share your information.

Hope to see you at Craft2Wear Oct. 3-5!

Craft2Wear

I'm full on preparing for Smithsonian Craft2Wear at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. This is an invitational, wearable-only show and I'm thrilled to be included for the first time this year.

You can find me in my spacious 15x10 booth, #37. That's A LOT of space for jewelry (standard booths are 10x10 or smaller in some cases) so my husband and I took over the dining room yesterday to stage a mock set up to plan how we can make the most of it. I'm especially considering how I can give one full wall to my one-of-a-kind recycled pieces. Here are some in infancy form...

Craft2Wear is a more intimate sized show than say, ACC. You don't feel rushed and you have time to linger and really see what's in each booth...with plenty of the day left for a meal in the city and maybe some other sightseeing.

Hope you can make it!

TGIF

In all honesty, I have had a rough week, replete with hurdles and failings, problems to be solved, mistakes to be amended. The comfort lies in knowing I am not the only person who has times that they feel like this. Bring the weekend!