my work is in Los Angeles!

See my work here! 

Alley
8465 1/2 Melrose Alley
Los Angeles, CA 90069
www.melrosealleyla.com

in the eleventh hour!

I am traveling to New Orleans where I will capture the essence of the city's culture and 'breathe' it into wire!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS PROJECT!
Any funding over my goal amount will be used toward travel to Los Angeles, California -- another city in which I will be exhibiting work this year.
This campaign is still in motion so if you want to become involved GO TO KICKSTARTER.

 “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

I began this project with hesitancy and the realization that it was a risk -- it could fail or succeed. I also had to deal with my issues of asking for help. I often take on tasks alone and struggle to acknowledge when I need a helping hand. However, while speaking with a friend she helped me to see that my needing help was only one small part of the bigger picture. By taking this on, I've been given the chance to create a sense of community -- a gathering of hopes and dreams. In this process I've been able to share my artwork as well. Hopefully this series of emails has been inspiring to you.

I hope you realize that you still have time to go after your dreams - despite your circumstances. Each day is a new beginning, a new chance to grow, to heal and to fill your life with goodness and beauty. 

Through this project alone, over 60 pieces of art will find new homes!

going to New Orleans.

the story behind the story...

It was August of 2005 and there I sat planted in front of the TV watching CNN as nothing short of pure chaos unfolded on the screen. Hurricane Katrina changed the Gulf Coast forever. This story became the focus of all news stories for a few weeks and I watched on the edge of my seat - speechless, disturbed, restless and feeling helpless. I wondered why they called the victims 'refugees' when they were Americans. I watched all of the personal stories of both survival and loss. I couldn't simply look at it as something that happened to "those people over there" but rather I wondered what I'd do in that situation, how I'd feel, how I would cope. I looked through the filter of human experience -- what if my mother got swept away? These stories haunted me and yet I couldn't turn away.

Later the BP oil spill caught my attention in a similar way -- making me wonder if the world was falling apart. Like a little kid I wanted someone to tell me it was going to be ok and yet that did not happen. I read every article I could get my hands on. Over a year later I still continued to follow the stories of the Gulf Coast. I silently watched because friends tired quickly of my conversation about it. We were all the way over here after all, in California. What did one thing have to do with the other?

In 2006 Spike Lee released a four hour documentary called "When the Levees Broke". I watched and to this day I can't put words to how it made me feel. I remember thinking at some point, "What am I to do with all of this information?" When you ask a question like that it often opens a door to responsibility and what we should do as human beings living and breathing in this world. What am I to do? Life would be easier if I ignored it and simply turned the TV channel to some mind numbing sitcom or outrageous reality show and yet here was a reality unfolding that is real and has changed the lives of many. I watched and was left restless.

Fast forward to 2010. Spike Lee released a second documentary following up on life in New Orleans. It was called "If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise." The information I'd tucked into a pocket of my mind flooded my thoughts again as I sat watching, seeing, feeling. More stories of humanity. Of politics. Of survival and pain. Once again I asked myself, "What am I to do with all of this information?" I didn't do anything with it. If I can be totally honest with you -- I didn't know what to do. I felt like, "I'm just this one person living over 2200 miles away who has read some articles and watched a few films." At the same time I could not look away or ignore what was going on. The burden of it lingered in the air like heavy incense and I tucked it into the back of my mind once again.

So imagine my surprise when I stood at my open studios exhibit showing off my newest sculptures to the public this past October and not one but 4 totally unrelated strangers mentioned New Orleans to me! My feelings about New Orleans and my artwork seemed like two very compartmentalized things. I'd never thought about this city with regard to making art and being an artist yet maybe New Orleans was worth exploring.

So here I am. I'm humbly stepping forward to explore and step foot into this city in which I know no one, a city I have observed, prayed, and dreamed about. This trip is profound for me. It's more than Mardi Gras beads and gumbo, more than brass bands and the excitement of Bourbon Street. While those elements are exciting and fun, I'm also interested in what lies beyond the surface - the ordinary people who live there, the sense of community, the things that make us human. I'm still wondering how I will be used and what work will come out of this. I don't know -- yet I am full of anticipation and wonder. I am grateful that you have chosen to support me in this way, to "back" my exploration. It will be interesting indeed.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.

you are unique

Nobody gets to be you, except you. Nobody has your point of view, except you. Nobody gets to bring to the world the things that you get to bring to the world – uniquely get to bring to the world – except you. So saying there are enough writers out there, enough directors out there, enough people with a point of view – well, yeah, there are – but none of them are you, none of this them is going to make the art that you’re going to make, none of them will change people and change the world in the way that you could change it. So if you believe somebody who says, ‘No, no, we’ve got enough of those,’ then all it means is you’re giving up your chance to change the world the way only you can change it. - Neil Gaiman (Advice offered When a young woman cites being told she shouldn’t pursue being an artist because there are too many artists in the world already.) 

A love letter to you...
Here's to the jewelry makers, the moms, dads, grandparents, the flight attendants, the missionaries, the writers, the photographers, life coaches, and teachers. Here's to those with paint on their hands and brushes, to the business men, the business women, the lawyers, the brothers and sisters, the glass blowers and mosaic artists. Here's to those that love children, make boats, eat cheese -- to those who play music and dance. Here's to those who spice up a conversation with laughter and wit, to those who knit --- to the medical visionaries, the reporters, the homeschoolers, the scientists, and grocery clerks. To those who dream, believe, hope and aspire to make a difference to the world -- Thank you all for coming together like ingredients in a fine meal, nourishing and inspiring me as I create a new body of work.

Item of the Day - January 16, 2013
"heart on my sleeve" 4 in.(h) x 3.5 in.(w) x 1.25 in.(d)
A puffed wire heart broach. Can be worn on a shirt, sweater, bag or anywhere you please.

I like being this open - aware and flexible, simply watchful of everything around me. I may not know the details of my future but I know that I will continue to create. I know that by relaxing and soaking in experiences, creativity flows. I don't need as much as I think I do - just a willingness to be used, to create and to share the gifts I've been given. My heart is often on my sleeve and I am humbled. Where He leads I will follow…

Pledge $25 to my campaign and snag this surprise item! There is only ONE!

my offering

All things splendid have been achieved by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance. – Bruce Barton 

The planet does not need more ‘successful people’. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds. It needs people to live well in their places. It needs people with moral courage willing to join the struggle to make the world habitable and humane and these qualities have little to do with success as our culture is the set. – Tenzin Gyatso 

Item of the Day - January 15, 2013
"the offering"
title: the offering
medium: wire
size: 27 in.(h) x 23 in.(w) 14 x in.(d)
price: $1500.
(female figure with hands open in offering)

Pledge $1500 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE!

 I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was around 5 years old. I remember watching the TV show 'Bewitched' and thinking I wanted Darrin's job at the advertising agency because it was creative. He got a chance to color and draw, creating storyboards. Then I wanted Rhoda's job as a window dresser at the boutique. Seeing her dress a mannequin made me think of playing all day with dolls! I remember my heart swelled at the thought of making the costumes and sets for the Muppets when I was 8. I wanted to be Miss Piggy's personal costume designer! I wrote fan letters to the actors on the TV show 'Fame' when I was in junior high school. I wanted to do something creative. As my high school years came to a close, my mother pressured me to pick something else - anything but art because she worried that I'd be poor. At the time we were dealing with so many financial struggles that she wanted me to do something that would make good money. I remember getting in trouble for being disrespectful one afternoon when my heartfelt response came off as nothing more than sass. My mom said, "You need to do something that pays well so that you won't be poor." I said, " Well, if I'm going to be broke, at least I'll be happy making art." I didn't want to come off as flippant, nor am I striving for the poor house - it's just that my desire to make art felt bigger than anything. I was willing and compelled to do it -- whether paid for it or not. And now here I am many years later, having worked the respectable 9-5, having completed college and spent years always striving to fit my art into my life - no matter how full. I am doing what I love full-time. It has not been easy. In fact, there have been many sacrifices. And yet I feel a strong determination about it because I know it is what I was meant to do. So again, thank you for supporting me along this path.

working on my crown

Crown - Jean Michel Basquiat, 1983 

 … all the beauty -human and physical- of the city represents such a triumph of humanity. In the black gospel tradition, which is so central to New Orleans culture, there is a saying: "No cross, no crown." If you don't accept the burden of your humanity and your finiteness and your suffering and, perhaps more important, that of the people around you, you will never reach the ennobling reward that the word Heaven represents to the believer. You can't have a triumph without triumphing over something - whether from outside or from within yourself. No cross, no crown. - Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters 

Item of the Day - January 14, 2013
"Working on My Crown"
a tiara style crown with a circle of wire that loops around the back...

Making things, creating what becomes art is more than just a hobby or fun way to pass the time. It is a part of my life's purpose and what I was called to do. It is bigger than me and I realize that. - Kristine Mays
Pledge $40 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE!

jewels of inspiration

“I'm not going to lay down in words the lure of this place. Every great writer in the land, from Faulkner to Twain to Rice to Ford, has tried to do it and fallen short. It is impossible to capture the essence, tolerance, and spirit of south Louisiana in words and to try is to roll down a road of clichés, bouncing over beignets and beads and brass bands and it just is what it is.” - Chris Rose, 1 Dead in Attic 

Item of the Day - January 12, 2013 
"Jewels of Inspiration"
There were treasures to be found-- nuggets of inspiration, pockets of wisdom, history and power. She wanted to drape these experiences around her neck like fine jewels.
Pledge $40 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE!
It's big like a breastplate, made of steel wire coated in clear plastic.

eat it up!

New Orleanians, poor, rich, and in-between, white and black and in-between, take their cooking and eating seriously, just as they take their music seriously, and their dancing, and their masks and costumes, and their celebratory rituals, because it is not mere entertainment to them. It is a part of a ritual in which the finiteness, the specificity and fragility and durability and richness and earthiness and sadness and laughter of life, are all mixed together, honored, and given tangible form in sound, movement, and communal cuisine. - Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters 

Item of the Day - January 11, 2013
fork+spoon
Here I am ready to eat it up -- to soak it all in. Where else can you experience such vibrancy -- this mixture of spirituality and divine spirits, this richness of sound, the robust flavors of food, the sway of hips moving to brass bands down the street? Such a celebration of life! I want to capture it all in wire!

Pledge $400 to my campaign and snag this item!

music punctuating the streets!

Please help me to travel to New Orleans where I will capture the essence of the city's culture and breathe it into wire. Kickstarter is ALL OR NOTHING. If I don't meet my goal, I won't receive anything. Please help by making a pledge and spreading the word! GO TO KICKSTARTER.

If you have already responded -- THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Please continue to spread the word, sharing this with everyone you know!

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. - Anne Frank 

Item of the Day - January 10, 2013
'the exclamation point' size:
TOP -26 in. (h) x 12 in. (w) x 6.5 in. (d), THE DOT - 10 in. (h) x 8 in. (w) x 6 in. (d)
She could almost hear the music punctuating the streets!
Pledge $300 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE!

powerful woman...

I genuinely feel that my life has become wonderful simply because one day I decided to believe that it could be. – Unknown

Item of the Day - January 9, 2013
'like a woman'
size: 26 in. (h) x 18 in. (w) x 8 in. (d)

She felt a certain excitement about it. It was a chance to step out and do something new! Regularly $800 this piece is being specially offered for this campaign.
Pledge $600 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE!

a big heart!

A lot of times, we fall into the trap of thinking that it’s our circumstances that determine our quality of life, when in reality, it’s gratitude that makes life sweet. – Jason Gray

Item of the Day - January 8, 2013
'My Heart is Full'
 Her heart was full and she had so much to share.
 Pledge $300 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE!

the journey continues on...

God created us to live with a single passion, to joyfully display His supreme excellence in all the spheres of life. The wasted life is the life without this passion. – John Piper

Item of the Day - January 7, 2013 
'Heart in Her Hand'

She stepped forward with a certain boldness - exposing her heart and sharing her dream. She was overcome with gratitude when others responded cheering her on! A flat wire woman with loops attaching each limb so that it moves like a marionette doll.

Pledge $35 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE !

baby steps

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou

Item of the Day - January 6, 2013
Baby Steps
The courageous days were great but some days she took small steps, reminding herself to have the faith of a child. A set of little girl mary jane shoes in black with silver 'button' accents.

Pledge $100 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE set!

giant steps

It is not revolutions and upheavals that clear the road to better days, but revelations, and lavishness of someone’s soul inspired, and ablaze. – Boris Pasternak, poet

Item of the Day - January 5, 2013
'Giant Steps'
What steps would she take? She knew this was yet another chapter of her journey -- a walk into the unknown. She took HUGE steps some days, like an amazon or a superwoman. (Picture a King Kong sized woman stepping over large buildings!) Her passion drove her forward.
Pledge $80 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE !

taking steps

When I dare to be powerful— to see my strength in the service of my own vision, then it becomes less important whether I am afraid.– Audre Lorde

Item of the Day - January 4, 2013
The 'Andrea' boot
She needed to take a big step -- to slide into her big girl shoes and embrace the future in a bold new way. Her boots were made for walking and that's just what she did! While I love the idea of shoes, I stopped creating them simply because I'd explored the limits of shape and sculpture with this object. Here's what I wrote about this shoe after creating it: She was fun and silly although her shoes made her stand out in a crowd. The boots revealed the persona behind the smile – the superhero that she really was, the brave courageous warrior within, the woman who could not be stopped!

Pledge $80 to my campaign and snag this item!
Hurry - there is only ONE! Regularly priced at $150. 
Once it's gone, it's gone.

a is for adventurer!

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. – John Pierpont

Item of the Day - January 3, 2013 

And so the story goes -- Three little birds came her way with a message she could not ignore. "We want to share a secret with you", they said. "You can fly too. In fact, you can SOAR!" They told her to go to the city of saints.
She figured she could do one of three things:
a) Go after her dreams
b) Ignore the call to do something greater
c) Hide behind her fears She chose A and hopefully you will too!

Wire Letter A
Most of my letters are uppercase so this is an anomaly!
Pledge $15 to my campaign and snag this item! Hurry - there is only ONE !

happy new year!

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” - Brad Paisley 

The adventure continues on! I am excited for all that 2013 will bring!
My desire is to share my work in new settings, among new audiences, in new cities, and with YOU - a gathering of long held relationships and new acquaintances.
I recently mentioned my latest adventure -- my Kickstarter campaign as I raise money to travel to New Orleans where I will capture the essence of the city's culture and breathe it into wire. I have less than 16 days left for this Kickstarter account.

Kickstarter is ALL OR NOTHING. If I don't meet my goal, I won't receive anything. Please help by making a pledge and spreading the word! GO TO KICKSTARTER.

As the campaign has progressed, I have added a few new pledge incentives, including an 'item of the day' - a daily featured work of art that will be for sale for only one day.