Spring 2008 Update

A few new things are happening. A big one is a new web design. Speaking of big, I'm still working in a larger format and This season I'm working BIG. I was a little frustrated by the size limitations of watercolor sheets, 22 x 30 inches. So I bought a huge roll of watercolor paper and have less constraints on my work. They will likely be 30 x 40 inch pieces. No little works this time around. This spring the new work I'm showing is a continuation of the San Francisco close up series. It was fun to pick out a few more places that I hope you will recognize, but perhaps not right away.

Twinkie Goodness

A while back, Cathryn and I met up with an old friend of her. They were having some sort of Girl Scout alumni retreat. The focus was on crafts and relaxation and as we approached the dining hall, we could see two women in massage chairs, working hard at the relaxing part. Since it was still early we took a tour around to see what projects people were working on. One particular activity in the corner caught my eye.

It involved twinkies. Specifically, using twinkies as a modeling clay and sculpting with it. I was horrified and fascinated. I took one of the the instruction sheets, because I will do this. I will sculpt something using only twinkies as the "clay".

Here are the instructions. If you were the person who came up with this idea, please contact me so I can give you proper credit for this.

Twinkies Project

Goal: To sculpt "anything" from 4 packages of TWINKIES

Things you'll need
4 packages of Twinkies - that's 8 cakes total
1 knife
plastic or latex gloves


Step 1: Open 4 pkgs of Twinkies.
Step 2: With a knife, slice off and save the base of each Twinkie.
Note the base is a different color and will provide a contrasting color for whatever you choose to sculpt.
Step 3: Mash all the base pieces together with your hands (this is a great time to put on those gloves) and include as much of the white cream filling that may be stuck to the bases. We will be using every part of the twinkie for this project. Continue kneeding until you have achieved a uniform color and consistency. Set aside in a ball. The stickiness will go away eventually and you will have what resembles "play dough".
Step 4: Do the same with the rest of the bars. This may take a while...persevere.
Step 5: Think of something to SCULPT! Sleeping animal...Christmas tree ornament...pretty much whatever!

Once you've finished sculpting, place on a firm surface to dry. Your finished product will harden and keep FOREVER! It will never rot or mold, but it will always have a bit of that "Twinkie" smell.

If you complete this project one rainy day, please send me a picture so I can post it here.

Fall 2007 Update

Welcome back. This season I'm working BIG. My new work is still watercolor on paper, but I'm working on full-size sheets. While working larger than I'm used to brings on some interesting challenges, I have to say that I'm please with the way the work is coming out. I thought it would be interesting to play with contradictions, so the new work I'm showing are a series of close up paintings of familar San Francisco landmarks.

Spring 2007 Update

I'm back in the studio again. I've made some changes to the space and am pleased with the nice white walls that replaced the dark wood paneling. I'm finishing up a series of Tessellated Paintings just in time for Spring Open Studios at Hunter's Point Shipyard. This series was strongly influenced by the mosaics I saw in Rome last summer. In addition to this busy weekend, you can see my art up in Petaluma at the Aurora Colors Gallery from April 28 - May 26 for their May Day exhibit, showcasing All Things Bright and Beautiful. They are located at 145 Kentucky street in downtown Petaluma.

Winter 2007 Update

Thanks for stopping back. I've settled down again this winter. It was a lot of fun traveling to Italy to visit family near Bari and to spend more time in Rome. I'll have some different work to show this spring. Influenced by the stained glass and mosaic tilework I saw in Italy, I am working with watercolor and gouache on paper to create my own interpretation of mosaics and silk paints and dyes on chinese silk to make silk stained glass. Check back from time to time to see some sneak peeks available in my online gallery.

Fall 2006 Update

I've been busy traveling and exploring some different techniques and mediums this summer. This fall I'll still be showing watercolor pieces but next spring there is sure to be some new work a lot different from my current style. In addition, I've gotten a more permanent space in 101 on the other end of the building, space 2108. So be sure to stop by to see me during Open Studios in October or call to make an appointment to discuss purchasing existing work or commissioning something new.

Please be sure to stop back. Also if you'd like to receive updates by mail or e-mail, send me your contact information.