Artists selected for the 2009 BIGG: Breakthrough Ideas in Global Glass are:

Artist Statement
The core concept motivating me is that ART CAN INSPIRE EMOTION and emotion inspires humanity and care of the beings and places of our surroundings. It is critical that the materials that I use support or enhance a conceptual idea that I am trying to communicate.  I enjoy working with the tensions of strength and fragility that exist within glass because these qualities can illustrate the dynamics of a human emotion or condition.  I would like a viewer of my work to feel the constant, contrasting, push and pull contained within our surroundings.  I want to celebrate awe-inspiring forms of nature and commiserate on the tragedies and triumphs of being human in a time when we cannot help but be increasingly cognizant of our impact on any environment.

The relationship between humans and the natural world is imprinted on the rural landscape. I spent the my first 18 years within the Vermont countryside and my artwork continually reflects issues of balance and bridges as I combine disparate materials and elements to illustrate the push and pull of humans with their surroundings. I have made Seattle my home since 1999 largely because of opportunities to work and interact with Pilchuck Glass School and Northwest artists such as Richard Royal, Jenny Pohlman, Sabrina Knowles, and Deborah Horrell. I earned my BFA from Alfred University, Alfred , NY in 1997 and my MFA through the University of Washington Fibers program, Seattle, WA in 2007.

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