Artist Statement I make sculptures that are based on personal narrative and influenced by images from nature as well as ideals and issues in society. I reference animal, plant and human skeletal systems and shapes when they capture the same feelings inherent in both present and past experiences I am currently investigating. The focus of my work is constantly changing and developing and in the past has been about formal explorations of form, capturing the resulting feelings/perceptions of particular situations, and different personas tried on at various points in life. I was initially trained as a jeweler, which ingrained the importance of pristine craftsmanship that I try to honor in my sculpture. I primarily use traditional techniques of cold forming and fabricating brass, copper, silver, and steel sheet metal. I contrast the simple organic shapes with detailed textures achieved by casting and/or electroforming carved wax elements. Although I place a strong emphasis on metal processes, my primary objective is to develop the concept of the piece. Therefore, I use the skills I have as a platform and introduce new materials whenever necessary to more clearly illustrate my ideas.