About this project

I am participating in Project Network, a studio residency program at Guldagergaard, the International Ceramic Research Center in Skaelskor, Denmark. Guldagergaard’s mission is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and research into materials, techniques and ideas through the development of a global network and range of professional dialogue within a concentrated work period.

The funding for this project will come from three sources:
1) My sales of artwork.
2) This project was supported by an Inspiration Grant from the ArtsKC Fund of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City.
3) Private contributions. YOU!

The funds that I am raising through kickstarter will be used to pay for the return shipping of work plaster slip-casting moulds and art work that will be created during the studio residency. Production costs and travel expenses will also be offset through this funding.

My cast-and-assembled sculpture explores the design and assembly of modular geometric units. Forms range from duplications of detailed crystal glassware to unique geometric elements. I employ Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software to design objects and then fabricate my prototypes by hand. My composite constructions take on the forms of elaborately re-imagined everyday vessels in addition to purely sculptural biomorphic and architectural abstractions. CAD software enables me to accurately visualize objects prior to their construction. I devote a significant amount of time to the design phase in order to insure versatility before the creation of a prototype. Inspirations come from a love of geometry, modern architecture and farm machinery commonly seen while growing up in rural southeast Kansas. Repeated production and reconfiguration of modular elements allows me to create and continually refine similar yet unique objects.

I maintain a sense of exploration by continually pushing myself to reinvent my work and to come up with new problems and solutions within the existing framework. My most recent work examines geometric relationships and the composition of light and space around objects. I will expand upon these ideas while in Denmark. I will challenge myself to rethink my established methods by creating work that will be displayed on the wall or directly on the floor rather than solely on the pedestal. This work will involve experimentation with new construction, finishing and display methods. Guldagergaard is the perfect place to explore new territory. Working in close proximity with a wide variety of artists as well as access to advice from Guldagergaard’s technicians will prove invaluable as I troubleshoot new ideas.