Forging the Protective and Decorative

This currently developing body of work has been inspired by an introduction into blacksmithing processes over the summer. Artists Albert Paley and Tone Vigeland have been important influences in the development of a new body suit. I am interested in using the esthetics of decorative gate construction and high-end fashion trends to engage the viewer in a push pull tension between the repellent and sometimes aggressive nature of armor. The use of circular pinwheel like forms relate to the infinity symbol, which spawns the idea of self-preservation and further relates to the purpose of modern day as well as ancient armors. While these pieces do not necessarily serve as physically protective, they still visually infer the intention. It is my intent to create a high end fashion suit of armor to cover the head, chest, back, shoulders, lower arms, and groin regions.

Lower Arm Vambrace

Iron Wire, Brass, Found Object. Scaled to the human body.

 

 

Brest and Abdominal Plates in progress photo

More to Come....

Albert Paley 

Steven Russel

Tone Vigeland

Alexander Mcqueen 

Danielle Nicole Hills

Other Visual References

Henna Tattoos

Iron and Silver Work

Here's a quick look at some of the pieces that been in Progress/ Completion while over the summer Months!

Bronze Teeth Bracelet , Molds taken from my original dental molds

 

Sterling silver

Sterling Silver, Found object, Iron

Iron, Found object

 

Sterling Silver, Brass, Found objects

Iron, Found objects, Agate stone

 

Bronze cast Gear, Brass, Found object

Iron, Copper, Found objects

Sterling Silver

 

Iron, Agate Stone

 

Bronze

Ragtag Film Bumper

Here is a short film bumper that is currently being shown at the Ragtag Cinema prior to the main feature. This First installment is a collaboration with Chelsea Myers of Tiny Attic, Sound design by local audio artist Tim Pilcher, and last but not least my contribution of the 7ft, 300 Lbs found object sculpture. The Secord short in this series is currently still in production but should be nearing completion by the end of September. This Collaboration with Ragtag is a result of major film distributors decision to switch from 35mm to Digital film delivery methods, via Hard Drives or servers. This an extremely costly upgrade for such an organization who is a dedicated non for profit and community supported business. Lumen will be auctioned off to play a part in this fund raiser/ kick starter. More Info on the Fundraiser Here!

Arrowmont 2012

This Summer, I was the lucky recipient of a scholarship to attend a 2 week work shop at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Galtlinburg, TN. My experience there was to say the least life changing. The people that I met, the skills that I learned, and passion that I saw all around me has given me something that I find hard to put into words. The studio environment was one of a kind filled with laughter, cheer, and focused creative energy like nothing i have ever ever experienced. My peers and I shared something so special in such a short amount of time  I had the pleasure to work with Jewelers Bob Ebendorf and Marissa Saneholtz . Bob is a man of great passion for life, his students, and creating art as a means of expressing these passions. His lessons have served me above and beyond my expectations and he will be forever a powerful influence in the my life as an artist. Thank you Bob for all the you have done! Marissa's skills, techniques, and spunky personality were as well endearing to everyone and I give her major props for share with the class her cleaver solutions for Pinbacks!

 My Jaw hit the floor when I walked into the Forming room! Look at all those beautiful Stakes!!!

 Loved this piece!

My Next Source of Inspiration!

 Bob and Bill Griffith

 Literally squeezing in every bit of knowledge!

 Keeping Vests looking Super Fine and Stylin!

Top Secret Bacon Broach project on the final day for Bob!