April 08

Painting in metal with fire.....well, maybe its an exaggeration, but it seems to be an applicable metaphor. Video is attached to see the process in action. The separate pieces of gold and silver are all meticulously assembled with tweezers and sweat in binding wire and pins, fluxed, and finally fused with a torch in a moment of trepidation and knife edge outcome. There may be an unusable puddle of metal after this, OR a one of a kind meditation and dedication to the moment of fusing and fire that i hope to share with others, in 18 karat gold, silver, and diamonds. What will the outcome be? Hopefully the finished piece will be available for viewing in the May of 08 posting!

March 08

Spirit in metal..........in stone..........what is it all about? The moment of merging between materials suggest worlds within worlds.....while the spirit of "gongshi" is exclusively reserved for natural stone formations in the Chinese tradition; here is a metal representation of a meditation to ponder. Viewing stones were meant as a meditation, a release, or a focal point for scholar studies. There is also the tradition of a 'witch's ball' in glass, to catch and contain playful spirits. The concepts are rooted in the collection and arrangement of elements, primarily by fire and other powerful natural forces, producing visual dramatic effect. The capture of the wandering eye, mind, and spirit obviously transcends many traditions and cultures, and speaks to our very biology enamored with complexity and nuance. Visual processing and the way we see is integrally tied up in the overall impression of the work; It is a joy to create such worlds for others to enjoy and ponder to their hearts delight......to wear in public, or appreciate in private.