Art attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self.

My work is grounded in craft tradition and history. I make objects which function in a real, although often obscure manner. Some pieces are based on the paraphernalia of the Catholic church. I began working in this vein because although the church itself no longer addressed my spiritual needs, the forms still spoke to me. They had a psychological resonance I found lacking elsewhere. As my work developed I have appropriated a variety of objects: furniture, prayer books, shrines, reliquaries, icons, amulets and charms.

The forms I return to most often are related to the body. More particularly I am fascinated with that upper body area around the neck, shoulders and chest. Although jewelry is normally worn there, I am curious why we are compelled to hang things around our necks.

In hanging work from the shoulders or neck I can explore concepts of weight, encumbrance and psychological burden. I am also intrigued with the idea that an object encircling the neck has supernatural and prophylactic properties- i.e., amulets, talismans, scapulars, and breastplates. The neck is an area where we are vulnerable to fatal harm. There is a latent sensuality to baring the neck– an association of sexual submission and potential subjugation. It is also the physical manifestation of the tenuous connection of head [mind] to body.

These dualities of head/body, protection/submission, physical desire and spiritual needs are where my artistic explorations lie. It is from my particular point of view as a woman that I examine these issues.