Orchidea Imaginarium
Botanical Sculptures
Now showing at Splash Gallery through July 2021 in Olympia, WA
NOW SHOWING AT SPLASH GALLERY IN OLYMPIA , WA
Some of these works are for sale at GHOST GALLERY, SEATTLE
ORCHIDEA IMAGINARIUM
The way orchids pollinate, gather nutrients and evolve is a constant source of wonder to any observer. Our world
requires adaptation to gracefully negotiate life. All around us the earth reveals lessons for us to see, feel, hear and touch.
In my work, the orchids emerge from rocks alive with the creatures of the earth floor. Inspired
by Otto Marseus's forest floor still lifes, my own version of the forest floor also expresses fungi, slithering snake folk and insects.
Personally I love these creatures of the dank dark woods. They are often ignored, misunderstood
and undervalued for their important qualities in the cycle of life. Some people deem them yucky, bad; and crush them under their heels.
These sculptures are of a high quality porcelain made in Washington. Porcelain lends itself to
small work; delicate butterflies, crafty beetles, pupae, snails and fragile moths. I use fine pigments and essential oils, the basic elements of traditional china painting. The colors are layered through firings in the kiln. In the final stages each orchid has its copper foliage hand cut, formed, braised, sanded and painted.
The pursuit of form and new ways to express it keeps me ever engaged in the studio.
Self taught, I work in clay, copper and wood. Heavily influenced by nature and symbolism I pursue making work that is beautiful, unique, and slightly off the beaten path.
