“He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.

He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.”

                                                                                 St. Francis of Assisi

Artists view the world differently than most people –  instinctively looking beyond the surface of a person, place, item, or situation.  Our eyes see texture, color, shapes, & how things relate and fit together in unique ways; how those things play off one another.   This “seeing” is part of the artistic journey that is both fascinating,  challenging, and rewarding all at the same time.  Translating what we “see” into an interpretive work of art that engages our audience, evokes emotion, and generates conversation is the ultimate goal all artists strive for.

 My artistic journey is still evolving as inspiration for my work comes from many sources. Studying the human form & observing the human condition certainly gives me many ideas for my figurative art.  I have collected things from nature, shopped thrift stores & flea markets for years, and have a wonderful collection of fabrics, laces, ribbons, etc.  Incorporating non-traditional materials with standard artist materials, applying those materials using different application methods, such as sewing, embroidery, painting, sculpting, beading, etc., all become part of my artistic narrative from concept to final creation.  Some of my work is functional while other pieces are simply meant to reflect the humor I see in everyday life, bring a smile, or generate a new way of thinking about the materials I have used.  I continue to grow as an artist and feel that I am successful each time I create a piece of art that speaks without words and stirs emotions in the viewer, perhaps making their life a little richer.

Dorann