Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 43 YOU OFTEN REFER TO USING YOUR ART IN A GARDEN, OR IN OTHER OUTDOOR VENUES. WHY DOES THAT SEEM LIKE AN IMPORTANT WAY TO DISPLAY YOUR WORK? Concrete is so organic and blends so well with the outside environment. Tucked in with plants and hanging on trees, they add so much visual interest year round. I often call them friends along the trail because I enjoy seeing them in my garden and on woodland walks. YOUR INTERIOR PIECES ALLOW FOR A BIT MORE CRE- ATIVITY. TELL US HOW THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PIECES DIFFER. I have made things with feathers since the 1970s so it's no surprise they found their way into my sculptures. e Wild Rose Emu Ranch is in Hamilton. When I visited and saw the amaz- ing emu feathers, I knew they would become an important addition. Feathers should not get wet so those pieces need indoor protection. Other items like seed necklaces and Spanish moss that add texture are enjoyed by wild animals so they are best kept indoors. WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR BROTHER WRITES A STORY ABOUT EACH HEAD TO ACCOMPANY THE PIECE. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT A BIT FURTHER, AND GIVE US A BRIEF EXAMPLE OF THIS COLLABORATION? My brother lives in Colorado and has a gift for the written word. I post a picture and the name of the piece; he understands who they are and then takes it to the next step of further insight. For instance, for my piece called Amazon Woman, Dan wrote that I am an Amazon Woman and proud to live here. I love all the unique birds, fish, and wildlife we have here. ey are beautiful creatures. We make our jewelry from them. Other people say we are primitive, but I prefer to say that we live a simple life and appreciate the beauty and the life all around us. OBVIOUSLY, YOUR WORK IS "ONE OF A KIND," SO THAT THERE ARE NO "PRINTS" OR COPIES AVAILABLE. WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT ADDS TO EACH PIECE? Everyone who owns a piece owns the only one; it has a unique owner. I do create series, such as Going to Market and each piece is carry- ing something on their head, that celebrates the cultures. My Chain Reaction Series is a celebration of the unique linkage of chains. e Blessing from the Earth Series incorporates natural items, seeds, shells, antlers, etc., and is more tribal. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW, AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING WITH YOUR ART OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? I love series in that they tell more of a story and continue my thoughts about a subject. I have acquired a collection of sea- shells from the Florida coast. at series is going to be called the Sounds of Silence so stay tuned. Collaborations with other artists, including their art forms with mine, is very rewarding. Patty Franklin, a mosaic artist, and I are working on collaborative pieces. Coming soon. the outside environment." Sculpting Area Rock Wall ibal

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