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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
One of my favorite aspects of the finished piece is how the chapters overlap and interact. The first chapter, on the right, depicts a house with one person in the center, symbolizing my early life and individual dreams. When chapter two, with three people depicted, and chapter three, where I am centered again, are layered over the top, all the colors blend and shine through the piece. This layering represents how all of our past experiences, adventures, and changes contribute to who we are in our current place.
In just 12 days, my statement stained glass piece will be hanging in a gallery window. The anticipation is a mix of nervousness and excitement. I am thrilled at the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience, and I hope it resonates with viewers as deeply as it does with me. This piece, created to symbolize a periods of my life and how they intersect and overlap, holds immense personal significance. Seeing it displayed in the gallery feels like a validation of my journey and artistic expression. At the same time, the nerves come from putting a deeply personal piece on public display, the vulnerability of exposing a part of my inner world to others. Despite these jitters, I am eager to see how the light will interact with the glass, creating beautiful shadows and reflections, and to hear the reactions of those who see it.
Chapter 3, the final chapter, has begun!
Remembrance ribbons serve as versatile symbols of honor, support, and solidarity across various causes and issues. Among other things, the purple ribbon brings awareness to Domestic Violence, but for me it also marks a career change.
After more than 20 years as a 911 Dispatcher, I embarked on a career change that revealed a calling I hadn’t known existed. I was entrusted and mentored by a remarkable agency to lead a collaborative team dedicated to fighting Domestic Violence. This career transition has been profoundly significant to me, as it has unveiled strengths and independence within me that I didn’t realize I possessed. This new path not only aligns with my passion for helping others but has also empowered me to grow personally and professionally.
Chapter 2
One of my favorite aspects of working with glass is observing the shadows that colored and textured glass creates when light passes through it. The way the glass bends and transforms the light inspired me to name my business 'Bending Sunlight.' This name captures the essence of how glass can shape and change light, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display of color and texture.
I created an image of a puppet on a string to symbolize a period in my life where I felt like I was merely doing others' bidding. This artwork represents a time when I struggled with autonomy and felt manipulated, highlighting my journey from feeling controlled to gaining independence and self-awareness. The intricate design and vibrant colors of the stained glass reflect both the complexity of that experience and the clarity I have gained since then.
The practice of exchanging wedding rings dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, where the circle was a powerful symbol of eternity and completeness. It is also deeply rooted in patriarchal cultures symbolizing ownership and control or at minimum a woman's status change to married. Looking back, I realize that marriage and the exchange of rings were part of a script I felt I was supposed to follow, and I didn't deeply consider why I was choosing marriage. It felt like a predetermined path rather than a conscious decision, driven more by societal expectations than by my own desires or understanding of what marriage truly meant to me.
There was a period in my life where I felt as though I was simply following a script or checking off boxes. I was going through the motions, doing what was expected of me without really connecting with my own passions or aspirations. It felt like I was living on autopilot, seeking to meet external expectations and adhering to a predefined path, rather than forging my own.
Chapter 1
The Celtic Symbol for Motherhood is often represented by the Motherhood Knot, also known as the Celtic Mother’s Knot. This symbol is rich in meaning and deeply rooted in Celtic tradition. The unending, interwoven lines of the knot signify the everlasting love and connection between a mother and her children. The design also reflects the mother’s role as a protector and nurturer.
I chose to include the Celtic Motherhood Knot as a symbol to reflect not only the connection I have with my two beautiful children, but also as a symbol embodying the timeless connection I feel with my mother and my maternal grandmother.
In this image the knot isn't finished, but it will be soon.
My grandmother was third generation American with a family line from England. She loved flowers but especially the purple Iris. The irony that the purple iris is associated with wisdom, royalty, and admiration is fun for my family. Grandma was very proud to say she was English (even teasing us kids that we needed to bow for the English flag) and may have descended from royalty. In the language of flowers, known as floriography, the purple iris conveys messages of respect and compliments. It is also linked to faith, hope, and valor. The purple iris has been a symbol of royalty and power throughout history, often used in royal gardens and heraldry. Additionally, its elegant and intricate beauty makes it a popular choice for conveying admiration and cherished memories, making it a fitting flower to remember my grandmother by.
A home is more than just a physical structure; it's a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and at peace. It is defined by the sense of belonging and the emotional connections you have within it. A home is where you can be yourself, surrounded by the people, memories, and things that matter most to you.
Feeling centered in my home is like experiencing a deep sense of tranquility and balance. It's where I find my grounding, a place where my mind, body, and spirit are in harmony. In my home, I feel a profound sense of peace and stability, as if the very walls provide comfort and reassurance. The familiar sights, sounds, and scents create a sanctuary where I can truly be myself and find solace amidst the chaos of the outside world. It's a space where I feel connected, whole, and utterly at ease."
Tiger Lily
Tiger Lily
My grandfather's garden was a breathtaking sight, adorned with a variety of flowers, but none captured my heart quite like the vibrant orange tiger lilies. Thinking back, what memories are evoked when you reflect on the special people from your childhood?
Puzzle Pieces
Puzzle Pieces
When everything falls into place and all the pieces fit together, it can evoke a sense of satisfaction, contentment, and harmony. It's like experiencing a moment of clarity or fulfillment, where everything aligns perfectly and there's a sense of completeness, peace, or accomplishment.
Choosing just the right colors and textures of glass.
The first few pieces.
Mastery of the balance beam didn't come easy to me. Countless hours were spent in the gym, tirelessly honing my balance and perfecting the array of skills that composed my routine. The gym is where I felt most at home, where I set goals and worked hard to reach them.
April 22, 2024
What defines identity? Is it a constant state of growth and evolution, forever changing with time? And what happens when a part of our identity pauses, stagnates, or ceases to exist? Does such a change fundamentally alter who we are? Often, various facets of our identity interconnect, with some aspects fostering growth in others.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall how being a young gymnast once formed the core of my identity. While mastering the intricacies of the balance beam undoubtedly honed my skills, did this pursuit shape my essence or influence my future self?
During adolescence, the quest for identity is particularly poignant. How did you navigate this period of self-discovery? What remnants of your adolescent identity still resonate with you today?
Gallery Exhibition at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault MN.
July 8 - August 24, 2024
Artist Reception Friday July 12, 2024. Come see me!
Hello again! I have been busy working in the background on my grant project. Here are a few teaser images from my digital pattern software. Stay tuned for more teasers and watch me pull them all together.
Faribault Daily News August 22, 2023
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
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