Hand Forged Steel Flower Sculpture With Surreal Imagery

I am passionate about the creative potential of metal. What attracts me to the working of steel is the exploration of its plastic qualities through direct process; bending, twisting, riveting, joining, etc. There is something sustaining and true about shaping hot metal in much the same way as it was done centuries ago. My work is an exploration of movement or motion. The immediacy and directness of the process encourage spontaneity in my idea development. The forge fire is my “inner center”.
As with most artists I obsess about my work. This "obsession" leads me down many paths, each with a similar purpose: to bend, grind, cut, pour, or otherwise manipulate metal to submit to my creative will. I enjoy adding wood as a compliment to the metal. If I am lucky at the end of the day I have defied gravity and conveyed my message. There are easier materials to work in but there are none that touch the soul as deeply.

I am a tenured professor in the Art Department at American River College. I find that teaching helps keep my ideas fresh because I try to keep my students educated on the "process" of making. I am continuously sharing what I am creating in my studio.