In 1986, my work underwent a radical change and I began sculpting in clay. I was attracted to Terra Cotta because it comes in a variety of colors and can be transformed into many textures. Clay also offered richness and depth. I use my hands to create the sculpture, which makes this an attractive medium. I often use different clays in combination with each other to achieve dimension through color and surface texture. Through this technique, I create a natural, intuitive depth which conveys a deep emotional expression. My work emphasizes a strong emotive connection to the earth, to oneself, another, animal or the land...instead of a focus on heavily intellectual concepts or designs. Some pieces are meant to bring out the quiet in us.
In keeping with this principal, I also create three-dimensional abstract and figurative works referencing anatomical forms, animals, nature, as well as simple geometric shapes. Some sculptures are cast in bronze or stone. I have over the years added wall reliefs to my artistic repertoire. I have continued to use unglazed Terra Cotta as my primary medium. Though at times I add glazing and painting to the clay pieces.
The thread that weaves my sculptures together is the investigation between nature and spirit. The evocation of this relationship gives my work serene and contemplative tones. It offers viewers a visual sanctuary and an opportunity for peaceful reflection.
The texture found in my pieces, whether it be the pinched surface of Terra Cotta wall relief or the indentation of bones and muscles in a piece cast in bronze, is meant to beckon viewers to touch the work with both their fingers as well as their eyes. My pieces are based on sensory expression and are meant to draw out the emotional and immediate nature of its viewers. I strive to make work both accessible and positive in a world where much emphasis is put on anguish.
Museum Exhibitions
2010 Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton, NY, Honorable Mention
2009 Guild Hall Museum, "Acquisitions", East Hampton, NY
2005 Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton, NY
2005 Guild Hall Museum Studio Tour, East Hampton, NY
2004 Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton, NY Honorable Mention
1996 Guild Hall Museum Store, East Hampton, NY
Public Exhibitions
2011 Newark Peace Summit, Newark , NJ
2011 The Anthony Giordano Gallery, Dowling College, Oakdale, NY
2006 New York City Parks Public Art, NY
2005 Peace Arch Park, Blaine, Washington
2004 New York City Parks Public Art, NYC, NY
2004-05 School of the Deaf, New York City, NY
2003-current Pratt Sculpture Park, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
2000 Bayberry Gardens, East Hampton, New York
1999 Hen Nurseries Inc., East Hampton, New York
1998 C.W.Nelson Botanical Gardens, Sandisfield, Massachusetts
1996 Friends of Guild Hall Museum Studio Tour, East Hampton, New York
1988 ART Around Town, Bridgehampton, New York
Group Exhitions
2011-2012 The Anthony Giordano Gallery, Dowling College, Oakdale, NY
2010 Demato Gallery, Sag Harbor, NY Juried show Retreat
Old Mill Inn, Mattituck, NY
Guild Hall Museum, East Hampton, NY Honorable Mention
2008-09 The Fells Sculpture Park, Newbury, NH
2008 Babettes, East Hampton, NY
Keyes Gallery, Sag Harbor, NY
2007-04 Gallery Merz,, Sag Harbor, NY
2005-06 Tulla Booth Gallery, Sag Harbor, NY
2005-04 Ferregut Tower Galley, Southampton, NY
Hampton Road Gallery, Southampton, NY
The Fells, Newbury New Hampshire
East End Arts Council, Juried show, Riverhead, NY
2002-03 BelleArte Gallery , West Hollywood, California
2002 Gallery Blue, New York City, New York
2002-1995 Paul Gingrich Gallery, Southampton, New York
Mark Humphrey Gallery, Southampton, New York
Burlington County College Gallery, Pemberton, New Jersey
Gayle Willson Gallery, Southampton, New York
RVS Gallery, Southampton, New York
Elaine Benson Gallery, Bridgehampton, New York
Lizan-Tops Gallery, East Hampton, New York
Guild Hall Museum. East Hampton, New York
Henry Buhl Collection, New York City, New York
2006 Buhl Collection Calendar
Katherine and William Rayner
The Natures Conservancy, East Hampton, New York
Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Peter and Jenny Mayle, France
Sandra Stetson Schifter
Barbara Slifka
Steven Perillo
Hampton Day School, Bridgehampton, New York
AutoSplice Company, San Diego, California
Animal Rescue Fund, Wainscott, New York
Carole Vince Designs, Morristown, New Jersey
Timberlake Farm- Perserve, Greensboro, North Carolina
A Child’s Place, Hillsborough, New Jersey
Award Sculpture
Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy, NYC, NY, October 15, 2007, given to Hillary Clinton, Ellen Malcolm
My professional journey, and life, took many twists and turns before I became an artist. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, my early aesthetic education was compromised of a few school arts classes, all before the age of 11 and it wasn't until adulthood that I nurtured my artistic expression. Theater was more of the medium of exposure.
In 1972, I started my undergraduate studies at George Washington University as a pre-law major. While in college, I became concerned with a family history of heart disease and investigated methods of achieving health and fitness. I participated in one of the first Cardiac Rehabilitation studies. I soon discovered a passion for the study of the science of exercise or Kinesiology, which was a budding field. Wanting to deepen my education, I transferred to the University of Maryland and graduated in 1976 with a bachelors of science.
I was later accepted into the applied physiology masters program at Columbia University. At the time I was conducting my graduate work, clinical fitness studies and statistical formulas centered around men, but for my thesis I focused on the relationship between exercise and body fat in women.
After earning my masters degree in 1979, I continued to concentrate on the needs of women and developed one of the first sports bras, called Actively Yours. After testing 18 versions of the product, I received a patent in 1983.
While maintaining the Actively Yours brand, I established a private professional fitness center in New York City in 1980. The Printing House Fitness Center was the first of its kind in Manhattan where clients worked on all aspects of health and fitness. My center was exclusively staffed by instructors who held masters degrees and I created an advisory board of physicians.
By 1985, I decided to permanently relocate to Sag Harbor, where I later started a private fitness center. It was at this time, however, that I was experiencing an awakening of my own passion for sculpture. While fixing up my home, I discovered a love for working with my hands which naturally led me to sculpt. Working with salvaged wood, I carved abstract pieces and furniture. Then I took a class with clay and realized my medium.
In my thirties, I found myself embarking on a second career and threw myself into my education. I enrolled at the Sculpture Center in New York City, while also taking classes at the National Academy of Design. Determined to vary my technique and mediums, I traveled to Italy in 1994 and 1997 to study with Roberta Giovanni in Italy. This experience of studying abroad was a decisive turn in my life. I returned home with new fervor and was eager to learn, explore and obsessively hone my technique. It was in those countless hours I spent refining my work that I uncovered my artistic voice. Slowly I phased out of the fitness business (1994) and closed down my private gym to pursue my art. Knowing as a health professional, that being consistent with ones true nature and living in ones passions enhances health, I slowly allowed myself to unfold.
Similar to my journey into becoming an artist, my work is about connecting to one's true nature, ones heart as well as the aesthetic. My pieces reflect the relationships we have to ourselves and others, while highlighting individuality and the importance of unique expression. My goal is to creatively express this process with beauty, depth and compassion.
Education
1997 & 1994 Pietrasanta, Italy-Roberta Giovanni
1996 Urban Glass-Glass Casting, Brooklyn, NY
1992-1995 Sculpture Center, New York City, NY
1993 National Academy of Design, New York City, New York
1979 Columbia University, New York, M.A., Applied Physiology
1976 University of Maryland, College Park, Md., B.S. Kinesiology
1972-1974 George Washington University, Washington, D.C-Liberal Arts.
1975 Nottington College, Nottington, England – Dance