Looking back on 2009

It's been a transforming year. My first year in the UNT grad metals program has taken me in some new directions with my metal work. I've brought back techniques that I haven't used in awhile such as etching and riveting because I was focused on wax carving and casting for the past few years. With learning to make intaglio prints at UNT, I'm able to apply etching in a new way. It's been a bridge between my interest in drawing and metalwork. Being in class has also allowed me to take a step back and focus on each piece and craftsmanship. I feel that that is something I was losing sight of with thoughts of sales and production.

I really feel that I've come into a new stage with my work. I'm still learning and always will by experimenting and trying new things. But this new stage is one where I feel I'm communicating and creating what's within me. The resulting work is created on a solid foundation and with conviction. Because of this, I was able to close out the year by making 2 custom pieces requested by friends for their significant others. What I find cool about that is the fact that I was thought of by someone for someone else. They had to go out on a limb because they knew they liked my stuff but how could they be sure of that for whom they were giving it to. So i find that to be a good indicator that I'm doing the work that I should be doing. And that's cool.

Here are those 2 pieces: