In grad school I had so many art concepts and real-life issues racing through my brain that I was unable to lock down completely what I was even talking about in my work. The one thing I knew for sure was that everything in my world was based on contradictions. Battles being fought from within as well as from without. I also knew that I had an innate desire to create beauty as there was so much ugliness occurring at that time as well. That was enough then. I knew there was more, but I was unable to get a firm grasp on it.
   Now, as I unfold my next chapter, I find it is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more that I want to get across in my work. I keep contemplating words like talisman, totem, fetish, charms, iconography, symbolism, heirlooms, memories, magic, mystery, ethereal, beauty, power. Over the years these are words that have been thrown around with whatever I was working on at the time, but I did not really see the significance. I was just making stuff. Just stuff. Now as I try to reign things in and focus on a series that has been manifesting for some time, I see these "words" as an important consideration. 
   In art and art making, I believe every aspect of the maker comes through, even things buried so deep as to be forgotten. However, the subconscious mind never forgets. Things have a way of coming out regardless of intent. We are then left to decipher the mysteries that escape. We must then attempt to communicate these ideas in such a way as to make them understood. It can be a vicious cycle of self-evaluation. So why are these words or concepts important to me and why do they continually surface in my work? These are questions I am setting out to answer as I continue my journey. 

   Several years ago I was honored to wear a wonderful piece, made by Eunsuh Choi, in the Glass Art Society Fashion Show in Toledo. It was beyond exciting. So when the fabulous Laura Donefer announced there would be another fashion show at Corning in 2016 I was determined to have and wear my own work.
   It was beyond everything I had hoped for. Creating the work was extremely challenging, my studio is not finished, no proper annealer for larger stuff, weight gain since last wearing this dress for my wedding in 2014, etc.... But, I pulled it off! It was one of the best nights of my life! 
   So back home to the real world. Fighting my way through creating in not-optimal space, and again trying to find my way in Tennessee. I came back from GAS so inspired. I came back with a new desire to stop with the farmers markets and trinket sales and really get some art making done. I want to teach again too. So now to figure out how to make these things happen. Wish me luck!