Growing up in the Pacific Northwest in an area east of Seattle, I learned to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. I was especially affected by nature and the cycle of life…with elements both seen and unseen. With the artistic influence of my father (a photographer) and the mathematical influence of my mother (a computer programmer) my studies in the Industrial Design Program at Western Washington University seemed a perfect foundation for a career as an Industrial Designer. My whole life I have analyzed designs for their benefits and faults…searching for new and clever solutions. With an open and loving heart I’ve always wanted to understand, to know how things work, to find the truths of life.
I spent 8-9 years working for others while I designed and estimated the construction costs for steel gates, handrails and fencing for high-end homes on the Olympic Peninsula...in addition to structural steel components. And then in March 2012 I made a decision to change my focus. I wanted my own business…and felt that with my imagination and business knowledge I could produce art that would make a difference in people’s lives. I have always felt there is a great connection between arts and healing…and arts as creative inspiration. I am not just talking about nice things to look at or listen to, but things that enrich our lives and help us grow in love.
I am now the artist/owner of Steel Coyote! And today, I own a creative studio specializing in custom commissions, my own line of decorative items for the home and garden, and fine art sculpture. In my shop in Sequim I work primarily with copper, although I also use steel…integrating brass, glass, hypertufa and other elements as the pieces dictate. Some of my artwork incorporates resources that have been repurposed and up-cycled, like cans. And some of my artwork is integrated with hypertufa for art primarily destined for the garden. But most of my work is created from totally new copper.
The metals I use are cut and shaped by hand. And thus, much of my work requires physical strength and dexterity as metal is hand formed and bent using a hammer and shears...a process very similar to blacksmithing techniques. Many of my pieces are created using the metalworking technique called repousse’….a time-consuming technique involving the texturing and shaping of the artwork by hammering on the reverse side of the piece to create a design in low relief. Then the pieces are joined, colored and textured with grinding, overlaying and heat-treating. I use oxy-propane to heat the metal for the shaping and bonding of parts together.
Brass is added for accent on selected pieces. I often clearcoat the copper to preserve the color state that was created. The copper on other pieces may be left untreated so the green patina will age and improve over time.
My work can be seen at select art and garden festivals in the Pacific Northwest as well as various retail outlets. Pieces are now owned and displayed by collectors in at least 32 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin) and 5 foreign countries (Canada, France, Holland, Ireland, Zimbabwe).
Education:
Bellevue Community College (Bellevue, WA) - General Studies AA 1997
Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) - Industrial Design; 2 years of study
Peninsula College (Port Angeles, WA) - Business Management; 1 year of study
Professional and Related Experience:
2014 - Professional contract services - Design, Estimating and detail Drafting (steel industry)
2012 - Artist and Owner - Steel Coyote, Sequim, WA - “Unique and Whimsical Art in Copper”
2010–2011 Design, Estimating and detail Drafting - Lincoln Welding, Port Angeles, WA
2003–2010 Design, Estimating, and detail Drafting - Allform Welding, Sequim, WA
2002–2003 Estimating and Customer Service - Angeles Millworks, Port Angeles, WA
2001–2002 Estimating and Takeoffs - InQuest Engineering, Woodinville, WA
Galleried Shows:
2017 The Studio Door "Tavern Exhibition" in San Diego - Copper Salmon Beer Tap Handle
2017 Art of Possibility Art Show and Sale at Courage Kenny in Minneapolis - Copper Angel Fish
2016 The Studio Door juried "Crow Show" in San Diego - Copper sculpture titled "Out of the Book of Shadows the Raven cries 'Life is Born!'"
2015 Kenmore Arts juried show - Copper sculpture titled "Out of the Book of Shadows the Raven cries 'Life is Born!'"
2015 Kenmore Arts juried show - Copper sculpture titled "A Different Kind of Monitor"
2015 Collective Visions Gallery juried show in Bremerton - Copper dragon sculpture titled “Daydreamer”
2014 Kenmore Arts juried show - Upcycled fish sculpture titled “Fiordella”
2014 Kenmore Arts juried show - Copper sculpture titled “Baby Crocodile”
2014 Sequim Arts juried show - Copper dragon sculpture titled “Creature of Fortune & Play”
2013 Sequim Arts juried show - Copper fountain titled “Paradise in a Pod”
2012 Sequim Arts juried show - Upcycled fish titled “Cameron Firefly”
Honors & Awards:
2017 "1st Place Award" in Sculpture at Art of Possibility Art Show and Sale at Courage Kenny in Minneapolis for Copper Angel Fish
2015 "3rd Place Award" at Kenmore Arts juried show for copper sculpture titled "Out of the Book of Shadows the Raven cries 'Life is Born!'"
2014 Bellevue Arts Festival 6th Street Fair Award - “2014 Best Newbie” for the best mix of booth appeal, quality of offering and welcoming attitude to fair attendees
2014 “Honorable Mention” at Kenmore Arts juried show for the copper sculpture titled “Baby Crocodile”
2012 “10th Place Merit Award” at Sequim Arts annual juried show for the fish sculpture titled "Cameron Firefly"
Juried Art Festivals:
Best of the Northwest - Magnuson Park, Seattle, WA - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Poulsbo Arts Festival - Waterfront Park, Poulsbo, WA - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival - Port Angeles, WA - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Chimacum Arts & Crafts Show - Chimacum, WA - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Edmonds Arts Festival - Edmonds, WA - 2014, 2015, 2016
Bellevue Arts Festival/6th Street Taste of the Arts - Bellevue, WA - 2014, 2015
Boise Art in the Park - Boise, ID - 2014, 2015
Flower & Garden Events:
Northwest Flower & Garden Show - Convention Center, Seattle, WA - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
Sequim Lavender Festival - Lost Mountain Lavender Farm, Sequim, WA - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
Arts in the Garden - Bellevue Botanical Gardens, Bellevue, WA - 2016, 2017
Sorticulture Garden Art Festival - Legion Memorial Park, Everett, WA - 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Retail Outlets & Galleries:
Xanadu Gallery - Scottsdale, AZ
