Beauty is Pain
When I was younger, I was told by my female elders “beauty is pain.” Well, if that’s true I want no part of it. I’m grateful for my idea of beauty being changed by the culture of Santa Cruz. Laugh lines and sandal tans are my ideas of beauty and although this rose is traditionally beautiful, I spent hours grinding in my Carhart pants and steal toed boots to make it. That’s beautiful to me.
Long Stemmed Rose
California Poppy and Redwood
Scylla
My art continually combats our perception of the natural world as something to conquer when in reality, we all succumb to decay. “Scylla” is an example of what happens when we let go of our innate sense of eternal life and begin to understand that everything ends in decomposition and inside that truth, we are all equal. Death knows no race, religion, gender or genetic makeup. Overall, I make my work to be an even-keeled leveling of light and dark; life and death. While the decay of “Scylla’s” face is brutal, there is also something beautiful about the growth that occurs because of it.
Nautical Wall Sconces
Sharkmaid
I have been asked to make mermaid art since I started sculpting and I finally caved. Well, I almost caved. This functional door knocker looks like a mermaid at first glance but upon further inspection, the body actually has shark scales and the tail is a little less 'Ariel' and a little more Great White.
Caged Sailor
Dog Portraits
The Breach
We keep large animals in captivity for our enjoyment as a species and yet we frown upon Orcas for playing with their food in the wild. I find it hypocraful that we are so judgmental of others while our own species commits such heinous acts. From the bent over dorsal fin to the gruesome decay of its body, this whale defies all odds and emerges from a bed of sea life defying all odds. Things are never as black and white as they seem like the colors of the Orca and life is messier than we often perceive it to be.
M.I.S.C.
Made In Santa Cruz
Sail On
This is an homage to the first boat I learned to sail on. The Santa Cruz 27 is a boat that was designed and built here in Santa Cruz. Years after I completed this piece, I was commissioned to make a plaque and sculptural pedestal for the Santa Cruz Yacht Club honoring all of the boats that were designed in Santa Cruz. It truly was a full circle moment.
