As long as I can remember, I have always struggled with self confidence. Fueled by the many flaws and imperfections I constantly see in myself, I let my insecurities get the best of me and steal my inner light.
In the last few years, I have had a much needed shift in attitude and a gradual acceptance of who I am. The catalyst for this transformation has been a handful of street worn, rusted, forgotten pieces of metal, wood and wire I have collected to use in my art. For the past 10 years, I have been intrinsically drawn to found object materials such as salvaged wood, old bottle caps, nails, metal scraps, washers and wire just to name a few. These street worn or ocean washed items possess fascinating qualities. From the mysterious journey they have taken to end up in the streets, to their tarnished patinas, there is strength and energy in these forgotten items. Their flaws, cracks and irregularities give them their character and their vitality. They are proof that everything can have a creative potential and a new purpose, even the most battered, pulverized piece of metal. Their transformative properties give them unlimited possibilities. However, you have to be open and receptive to these materials to comprehend this. Just holding a piece of weathered metal or wire gives me strength. These items are a constant reminder that imperfections aren't necessarily a negative thing. The qualities that I was accustomed to accepting as flaws, are really unique, distinguishing traits that make me who I am. So instead of trying to change these characteristics, I have finally learned to embrace and celebrate them. Flaws and imperfections, inadequacies and faults are part of what give me my individuality and in this individuality there is substance, spirit, originality and even goodness.
With every Found Object sculpture I have created in the past 10 years, I have been a little more empowered because of the various reclaimed, street worn things I have used. By discovering the value, worth and the rich potential in even the most broken piece of wire or wood, there is a celebration of Hope. And in that celebration, I want my art to be a small, but constant reminder of fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances, compassion and mercy. Although the fragmented, rusted materials I creatively use may appear worthless and insignificant, they are a symbol of faith and promise and are an incentive to find goodness and celebrate new growth.