Mary Opasik's portfolio

Work samples

Scorched Fish

Found Object Wall Assemblage: bones, feathers, teeth vintage rusted vintage iron holder, raw canvas, furniture parts, rusted knife blades 45.72x91.44x12.7cm 18x36x5in
Date: 2023
"SCORCHED FISH" is based on the environmental impact on aquatic life due to global warming of water temperature. I began the assemblage with raw canvas on wood and 2 wooden furniture legs as a frame. I added the rusted knife blades, found bones, feathers, teeth and an iron holder to symbolize being scorched by the burning sun.
Plantation

Freestanding Found Object assemblage: column support base, vintage wooden stool parts, repurposed tools, burl wood, flute segments, hardware, chains, aged metals -
134.62 x 127 x 139.7cm 53 x 50 x 55in
Date: 2024
"PLANTATION" is an earthy assemblage for both indoors or outdoors. Starting with rusty broken garden tools I have collected over the years, I have formed a circular sculpture. The repurposed tools have natural branches for support. The three dimensional image of a "bird of prey" made from burl wood, tools and aged metals sits atop the piece referencing death, rebirth or a master. Rusted chains are hung around the upside stool around the circumference on hooks symbolizing imprisonment or life cycle. The base is a heavy metal and wood column support fragment such as seen in the architecture of a mansion.
Fremont

Found object assemblage: horse harness & gun holder parts, wooden cinematic tripod, rubber wheels, wooden bowl, aged metals, leather - 109.22 x 81.28 x 27.94cm
43 x 32 x 11in
Date: 2018
Arabbers are African Americans who peddle fresh fruits, vegetables and fish in brightly painted, horse-drawn wagons to neighborhoods in need of fresh groceries. Two of the remaining stables in the U.S. are in West Baltimore. They opened their doors so artists could go in and find donated materials to make art for a benefit exhibition for the Preservation Society of Arabbers. I collected cast-off leather, horse and wagon harness parts to create wall sculptures including "FREMONT" named after Fremont Stables.
Born Anew

Found object wall assemblage: ladder parts, copper, aged metals, tortoise shell, wood
Date: 1993
45.7 x 27.94 x 12.7cm 18 x 11 x 5in
Reunion with my only child I had to relinquish for adoption at birth led me into a personal visual journey encapsulating the secrecy, anguish and grief from the loss of a child due to an unwed pregnancy and then the exultation of reunion decades later. "Born Anew" is a figurative image of a baby symbolic of a former secret life and identity, where I unite discarded objects to form a whole.

About Mary

Mary Deacon Opasik is a Baltimore-county based artist who has devoted the past three decades to making sculptural assemblage art with found and repurposed objects. She received her BFA degree in 1989 from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), in Baltimore, MD.
Her work has been featured in The Huntsville Museum of Art ( AL), Chateau de Rochefort (FR), Sandy Spring Museum (MD) and Lincoln Center Crafts Festival (NY). Ms. Opasik's art is in private and public collections and has… more

View Mary's Resume

Aquatica Gallery One

AQUATICA FISH SERIES: ONE

The AQUATICA FISH series is created from found and discarded materials, transformed into sculptural forms that echo life beneath the water's surface. By assembling these objects into fish, the work reflects both the beauty of aquatic ecosystems and the growing presence of human-made debris within them.

Each piece carries the history of the materials--metal, wood and other remnants of everyday use--mirroring the reality of contemporary waterways where natural life and waste coexist. The fish become symbols of adaptation and survival, shaped by environments increasingly altered by human behavior.

Through this process, the series draws attention to environmental responsibility and the consequences of consumption. What is often overlooked or thrown away is reimagined as something vital and expressive, encouraging viewers to reconsider their relationship to materials and the impact of they have on fragile aquatic systems.

The Aquatica Fish series functions as both celebration and caution: honoring the resilience of nature while reminding us that preservation depends on awareness, care, and change.

Sapphire Fish

Found object wall assemblage: catalytic converter, tin from liquor gift box, repurposed aluminum & vacuum cleaner parts 40.64 x 55.88 x 10.6cm 16 x 22 x 4in
Date: 2023 Private Collection
It's OFFISHIAL

Found object wall assemblage: wooden oar base, vintage hole puncher, metal fish tackle box parts, chain, aged metals 45.72 x 73.66 x 10.16cm 18 x 29 x 4in
Date: 2024
Scorched Fish

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts ,canvas, bones, shells, rusted knife blades, aged metals 45.72 x 91.44 x 12.7cm 18 x 36 x 5in
Date: 2023
Rudder Fish

Found object wall assemblage: wooden sailboat rudder part, horse harness & metal auto parts, aluminum fragments, rope 33.02 x 55.88 x 10.16cm 13 x 22 x 4in
Date: 2023 Collection: CFG Bank
Choptank Fish

Found object wall assemblage: wood, metal hatchet head , propeller fragment, aged metals, oil pastel 48.26 x 43.18 x 10.16cm 19 x 17 x 4in
Date: 2023 Private Collection
Miraculous Catch

Found oject wall assemblage: rusted barrel band, carved wood, rubber lures, fabric, dried grass, seashell 68.58 x 30.48 x 12.7cm 27 x 12 x 5in Date: 2023
Private Collection
Hooked

Found object wall assemblage: horse harness parts, hooks, rusted utensils, fabric, fireplace screen 76.2 x 22.86 x 12.7cm 30 x 9 x 5in Date: 2023
Private Collection
Cleaver Fish

Found object wall assemblage: horse harness parts, repurposed knife blades, fabric, aged metals 71.12 x 83.82 x 10.16cm 28 x 33 x 4cm Date: 2023
Watchful Eye

Found object wall assemblage: horse harness & furniture parts, repurposed tool watch face, formica 53.34 x 27.94 x 7.62cm 21 x 11 x 3in Date: 2023
Private Collection
Trash Fish

Found object wall assemblage: horse harness parts, aged metals, found objects, metal shoe insert 38.1 x 60.96 x 10.16cm 15 x 24 x 4in Date: 2023
Private Collection

Aquatica Gallery Two

AQUATICA FISH SERIES: TWO

The AQUATIC A FISH series is composed of found and discarded materials, assembled into sculptural fish forms that reflect the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. By repurposing objects once considered waste, the work draws attention to the growing presence of human-made materials in waterways and oceans, and the lasting impact of consumptionn on natural life.

Each sculpture carries the visible history of the materials--wood, metal and fragments of everyday use--mirroring the environments in which aquatic species increasingly survive alongside debris. The fish become symbols of adaptation and resilience, embodying both beauty and marine life and the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing world.

Sustainability is central to the practice. The act of reclaiming materials and transforming them into art reflects a commitment to reuse, reduction, and mindful making. Through
this process, discarded objects gain renewed purpose, encouraging viewers to reconsider what is thrown away and to recognize the value of responsible choices.

The AQUATICA FISH series invites the reflection on stewardshiup and interconnectedness, reminding us that the health of aquatic environments is inseparable from human action. Through transformation and awareness, the work offer both a visual narrative and a call to care for the ecosystems that sustain us.

Chop Fish

Found object wall assemblage: wood, vintage cabbage shredder parts, refrigerator fragment, knife blades, thermometer head 38.1 x 60.96 x 10.16cm 15 x 24 x 4in
Date: 2023
Pin Fish

Found object wall assemblage: wooden oar, row of pins, aged metals, furniture parts, repurposed tools, ribbon 30.48 x 63.5 x 5.08cm 12 x 25 x 2in Date: 2024
A donation of a broken canoe oar influenced the making of "Pin Fish". Using the oar fragment as the body, I added its found objects with rustic tones, reminiscent of fins. There is a row of old pins on yellowed paper which refer to there sharp hooks. A chain is attached to the head of a shovel that says catch. A rusted egg chopper completes the tail.
Phantom Limbs

Found object wall assemblage: vintage child's wooden crutches, rubber & plastic doll legs, wood, paint, canvas 121.92 x 25.4 x 22.86 48 x 10 x 9in Date: 2024
I saw a child's pair of wooden crutches at a yard sale. The man said it belonged to his uncle and was very special. He gave me the crutches and I used them as the basis for my assemblage. The multitude of plastic and rubber doll's cut off legs were attached with screws to symbolize the "phantom limb" phenomenon that occurs after an amputation. There are no fins on the piece to act as arms. The head is made from raw canvas which reminds me of a hospital. The piece hangs horizontal from a hook to give the feeling of immobility.
Mariner

Found object wall assemblage: chair & wood parts, embossed tin 45.72 x 53.34 x 15.24cm 18 x 21 x 6in Date: 2022
Hanger Fish

Found object wall assemblage: aged metals, vintageprinted wooden coat hanger parts 55.88 x 22.86 x 7.62cm 22 x 9 x 3in Date: 2023
Blue Fish

Found object wall assemblage: metal auto parts, door and trashcan parts 33.02 x 68.58 x 7.62cm 13 x 27 x 3in Date: 2016
Swordfish

Found object wall assemblage: thatching rake and furniture parts, found wood 43.18 x 66.04 x 22.86cm 17 x 26 x 9in Date: 2021 Private Collection
Ash Can Fish

Found object wall assemblage: sprung steel bench section, clamp, metal grating, paint, wood 35.56 x 71.12 x 10.16cm 14 x 28 x 4in Date: 2023
Private Collection
Palette Fish

Found object wall assemblage: furniture, palette & palette knife parts, screen mesh 38.1 x 45.72 x 5.08cm 15 x 18 x 2in Date: 2023 Private Collection

Arabber Series

Arabber Series began in 2018 with an invitation to create a sculpture for a benefit for the Preservation Society of Arabbers in Baltimore. The horse-drawn vending carts date back to the 19th century and is a vanishing tradition. Arabbers in Baltimore, primarily owned by African Americans, are fruit, vegetable and fish peddlers who hawk their wares on brighly painted, horse-drawn wagons to rowhouse neighborhoods in need of fresh groceries.

Three of the remaing stables in the United States are in west Baltimore. They opened their doors so artists could go in and find materials. I collected cast off horse and wagon parts from Fremont Stable and assembled them into wall sculptures including fish, horse, corset and elephant imagery. The donated materials I used were castoff wooden and metals horse harnesses, leather parts and wood.

Arabberbra & Headpiece

Found object wall assemblage (2 pieces): cast off leather horse bridle parts, brass harness tips, cloth,wire, furniture part, miniature plastic figurines, lambswool, brass 134.62 x 35.56 x 25.4cm 53 x 14 x 10in Date: 2024
Fremont

FREMONT repurposed wall assemblage: horse harness & gun holder parts, wooden cinematic tripod, rubber wheels, bowl, aged metals, leather 109.22 x 81.28 x 27.94cm 43 x 32 x 11in Date: 2018
Fishmonger

Found object wall assemblage: horse harness & wooden wagon parts, shovel handle fragments, aged metals 35.56 x 83.82 x 10.16cm 14 x 33 x 4in Date: 2022
Upcycle Fish

Found object wall assemblage: metal horse harness part, bicycle fender, weathered cabinet wood, grater, reflector 55.88 x 53.34 x 10.16cm 22 x 21 x 4in Date: 2023
Long Term Memory

Found object wall assemblage: motorcycle exhaust pipe, furniture parts, plastic, leather, horse harness parts 76.2 x 63.5 x 22.86cm 30 x 25 x 9in Date: 2016
Bottom Feeder

Found object wall assemblage: horse harness parts, aged metals, candle holder fragment, formica 50.8 x 71.12 x 22.86cm 20 x 28 x 9in Date: 2022
Private Collection
DISCONCERTMENT.jpg

Found object wall assemblage: repurposed tools, hickory wood, harness & skate parts, paper, horseshoe fragment 71.12 x 25.4 x 12.7cm 28 x 10 x 5in Date: 2024
MAELSTROM

Found-object wall assemblage: arabber wagon parts, door & address sign parts, aged metals 53.34 x 30.48 x 15.24cm 21 x12 x 6 in Date: 2026

Transylvania

In May 2015 I was an INSIDE ZONE resident artist in Borsec, Romania, a town at the base of the Carpathian mountainous. Throughout my life I had heard stories about my mysterious ancestral land of Transylvania.

During my urban exploration of the town’s crumbling villas, hospital and surrounding area, I took photographs. When I returned home I assembled frames from a few objects I collected there in addition to other materials from my studio. I created the odd sized structures first and then placed the archival pigment photographs inside the frames.

The Barn

Found object wall assemblage: door & broom parts, hardware, metal horse figure, horseshoe, cast plaster, oil paint 43.18 x 25.4 x 5.08cm 17 x 10 x 2in Date: 2024
Hotel Transylvania

Found object wall assemblage: clay roof tile fragment, wood, hardware, archival digital photograph 50.8 x3 3.02 x 2.54cm 20 x 13 x 1in Date: 2016
Private Collection
Machete

Found object wall assemblage: machete and furniture parts, hardware, chains, 3 archival digital photographs 81.28 x 48.26 x 5.08cm 32 x 19 x 2in Date: 2016
Private Collection
Vila A1

Found object wall assemblage: wood, hardware, archival digital photograph 30.48 x 22.86 x 5.08cm 12 x 9 x 2in Date: 2016 Private Collection
Vila Maharaja

Found object wall assemblage: tool and furniture parts, wood, hardware, 3 archival digital photographs 109.22 x 71.12 x 12.7cm 43 x 28 x 5in Date: 2016
Waiting Rooms

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and door parts, tin, hardware, 3 archival digital photographs 50.8 x 45.72 x 5.08 20 x 18 x 2 Date: 2016
Asylum.jpg

Found object wall assemblage: repurposed utensils, wooden drawer, keys, hardware, vinyl 101.6 x 43.18 x 15.24cm 40 x 17 x 6in Date: 2016 to present
Romany Baby

Found object wall assemblage: rusted iron frame, tricycle parts, chains, digital archival photograph 53.34 x 43.18 x 20.32cm 21 x 17 x 8in Date: 2016
Private Collection
Disco

Found object wall assemblage: wood, tong part, 3 archival digital photographs 60.96 x 45.72 x 10.16cm 24 x 18 x 4in Date: 2016 Private Collector
Buried Faith

Found object wall assemblage: burl wood, clay, metal, ceramic fragment 33.02 x 22.86 x 7.62cm 13 x 9 x3in Date: 2024

Birdland Gallery One

BIRDLAND series of bird assemblages is created from found and reclaimed materials, carefully crafted into sculptural forms that honor both avian life and the materials themselves. Each bird emerges through a process of selection, repair, and construction, emphasizing craftmanship as an act of repsect--for the object's history and for the natural world it comes to represent.

Using discarded wood, metal, and everyday remnants, the work reflects the growing overlap between natural habitats and human-made environments. Birds, often seen as indicators of ecological health, become symbols of adaptation and fragility. Their forms suggest resilience, while the materials reveal the environmental pressures that shape their survival.

Sustainability is central to the practice. By reusing found objects and minimizing waste, the assemblages embody a commitment to responsible making and material consciousness. The transformation of discarded items into carefully constructed sculptures highlights the potential for renewal and thoughtful reuse.

Through craftmanship and intentional design, these bird assemblages invite the viewers to reflect on environmental stewardship and shared responsibility of caring for ecosystems we inhabit. The work celebrates creativity as a means of awareness, connection, and sustainable practice.

The Flock

Found object wall relief (trytich): furniture & lamp parts, brass fireplace shovel parts, brass, wood base 43.18 x 43.18 x 10.6cm 17 x 17 x 4 Date: 2023
Duckwitz

Found object freestanding sculpture: galvanized steel scoop parts, planar wood handle, tin plated scoop, copper braiding, wood, steel rod, aluminum ashtray
45.72 x 30.48 x 17.78cm 18 x 12 x 7in Date: 2023
Quacker

Found object wall assemblage: sink and pencil sharpener parts, brass, oil can opener 30.48 x 22.86 x 12.7cm 12 x 9 x 5in Date: 2020 Private Collection
Pimpkin

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, wood, hardware, wood, keys 30.48 x 33.02 x 15.24cm 12 x 13 x 6in Date: 2018 Private Collection
Stalker

Found object wall assemblage: sewing machine, dust bin and shovel parts, aged metals 27.94 x 76.2 x 20.32cm 11 x 30 x 8in Date: 2022 Private Collection
Sentinel

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and bicycle parts, aged metals, bathtub leg 48.26 x 48.26 x 12.7cm 19 x 11 x 5in Date: 2018 Private Collection
Majestic Bird

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, bathtub leg, aged metals, tin, hardware 60.96 x 356.56 x 15.24cm 24 x 14 x 6in Date: 2018 Private Collection
Bird Mother

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and shovel parts, hardware, wood, paint, wooden bowl, bulb holder 40.64 x 33.02 x 20.32 16 x 13 x 8in Date: 2015
Private Collection
Prehistoric Birds

Found object wall assemblage (diptych): furniture & tool parts, aged metals, wire 121.92 x 91.44 x 22.86cm 48 x 36 x 9in Date: 2016 Private Collection
Spy Bird

Found-object wall assemblage: furniture & doll parts, aged metals, glass 45.72 x 27.94 x 15.24 18 x 11 x 6in Date: 2025

Birdland Gallery Two

BIRDLAND series of bird assemblages is created from found and reclaimed materials, carefully crafted into sculptural forms that honor both avian life and the materials themselves. Each bird emerges through a process of selection, repair, and construction, emphasizing craftmanship as an act of respect--for the object's history and for the natural world it comes to represent.

Sustainability is central to the practice. By resuing found objects and minimizing waste, the assemblages embody a commitment to responsible making and material consciousness. The transformation of discarded items into carefully constructed sculptures highlights the potential for renewal and thoughtful reuse.

Through craftmanship and intentional design, these bird assemblages invite viewers to reflect on environmental stewardship and the shared responsibility of caring for the ecosystems we inhabit. The work celebrates creativity as a means of awareness, connection, and sustainable practice.

Morning

Found object wall assemblage: furniture, lamp and shovel parts 91.44 x 68.58 x 20.32cm 36 x 27 x 8in Date: 2012 Private Collection
Hoot

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and shovel parts, hardware, spring 38.1 x 45.72 x 15.24cm 15 x 18 x 6in Date:2012
Duckling

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, boat block and tackle, hooks, aged metals 30.48 x 27.94 x 17.78cm 12 x 11 x 7in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Endangered Species

Found object wall assemblage: toy gun stock, furniture parts, aged metals, hardware, springs 63.5 x 38.1 x 15.24cm 25 x 15 x 6in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Dolly

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and handrail parts, wood, hardware 73.66 x 30.48 x 10.16cm 29 x 12 x 4in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Lovebird

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, painted wood, key 58.42 x 40.64 x 20.32cm 23 x 16 x 8in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Year of the Dragon

Found object wall assemblage: garden tool handle, wood, corn cob holders, collage, handmade paper. "Year of the Dragon" is titled after the 2024 Chinese lunar year of dragon which was a monstrous year for me health wise. I used handmade paper with printed red dragons and torn printed recycled bag fragments for collage. The assemblage took me almost the entire year to complete due to my eye surgeries. 33.02 x 35.56 x 10.16cm 13 x 14 x 4in Date: 2024
Plantation

Found object outdoor assemblage: metal column support base, vintage wooden stool parts, repurposed tools, burl wood, flute segments, hardware, chains, aged metals. 134.62 x 127 x 139.7cm 53 x 50 x 55in Date: 2024
The Octogenarian

The Octogenarian is a freestanding found object assemblage: wood, bird cage, roller skate wheel, door parts, wire 134.62 x 88.9 x 88.9cm 53 x 35 x 35in
Date: 2025
Patriot Bird

Found-object wall assemblage: tricycle part, bathtub leg, repurposed clock, aged metals 55.88 x 43.18 x 12.7cm 22 x 17 x 5in Date: 2023
Private Collection

Petite Towns of Character

Traveling and exploring in Brittany, France, India, and Morocco was the impetus for my body of found object townscapes. Using abandoned paint boxes left by previous artists at the chateau in Rochefort-en-Terre where I spent a month long artist residency, I began to create Petite Towns of Character. In my home studio I have continued the evolving, travel-based townscape series using found objects discovered on my daily walks in the woods with my dog. I create my work primarily with old furniture parts, aged metals and cast-off hardware.

Old Delhi II

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and door parts, aged metals, hardware, paint 43.18 x 78.74 x 15.24cm 17 x 31 x 6in Date: 2010
Private Collection
Green City

Found object wall assemblage: furniture, rake and door parts, aged metal 55.88 x 45.72 x 22.86cm 22 x 18 x 9in Date: 2014
Japan: 3-11-11

Found object wall assemblage: VW car fragment, tricycle parts, aged metals, rubber ball 76.2 x 45.72 x 25.4cm 30 x 18 x 10in Date: 2014
Private Collection
Old Baltimore

Found object wall assemblage: ladder and paint box parts, wood, hardware, aged metals 71.12 x 68.58 x 12.7cm 28 x 27 x 5in Date; 2012
Private Collection
Hampden

Found object wall assemblage: aged woods, rake parts, discarded lawn ornaments 76.2 x 68.58 x 20.32cm 30 x 27 x 8in Date: 2012
Fez

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and door parts, aged metals, hardware 45.72 x 45.72 x 7.62cm 18 x 17 x 3in Date: 2012
Private Collection
River City

Found object wall assemblage: furniture, rake, sprinkler and shovel parts, wire 71.12 x 91.44 x 15.24cm 28 x 36 x 6in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Morbihan

Found object wall assemblage: door and furniture parts, hardware, aged metals 35.56 x 48.26 x 12.7cm 14 x 19 x 5in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Brittany

Found object wall assemblage: discarded wooden paint box parts, hardware, chains, keys, potato peeler blades 38.1 x 40.64 x 10.16cm 15 x 16 x 4in Date: 2012
Private Collection
Aftermath

Found object wall relief: rusted metal objects welded, chain, can lid 38.1 x 38.1 x 17.78cm 15 x 15 x 7in Date: 2020

Skeletons and Cops

With my background in nursing, I became engrossed with SKELETONS and anatomy. I felt driven to create my own interpretation of the human framework using furniture parts, old bathtub legs and copper tubing. "Family Secrets" is based on my own life experience of adoption and reunion.

COPS was influenced by the national television series "Homicide: Life on the Streets" filmed on location in Baltimore. Although the show was a fictional version of the Baltimore City Police Department's homicide unit, I've always been fascinated with true crime. I got to know some of Baltimore's homicide detectives and they inspired my work.

Family Secrets

Found object assemblage (Tryptych): furniture and wood (burned) parts, copper tubing, aged metals, spade parts, bathtub legs, hanging from metal stands 177.8 x 203.2 x 30.48cm 70 x 80 x 12in Date: 2004 Private Collections (3)
Ooommm

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, hardware, mirror 91.44 x 60.96 x 33.02cm 36 x 24 x 13in Date: 2012 Private Collection
Blonde Skeleton

Found object assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, brass, wood, metal stand, pipes, paint 182.88 x 53.34 x 66.04cm 72 x 21 x 26in Date: 2008
Private Collection
Guard

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and tool parts, aged metals, wood, keys 60.96 x 30.48 x 12.7cm 24 x 12 x 5in Date: 2009 Private Collection
Watch Commander

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and car parts, tin, copper, brass, stove and tool parts 63.5 x 58.42 x 12.7cm 25 x 23 x 5in Date: 2009
Private Collection
Siren

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, plastic, lantern parts 48.26 x 43.18 x 17.78cm 19 x 17 x 7in Date: 2009 Private Collection
Cop-out

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and lantern parts, aged metals, rubber stamp 48.26 x 38.1 x 10.16cm 19 x 15 x 4in Date: 2006 Private Collection
Arrest

Found object wall assemblage: bicycle, sled, tool and lock parts, aged metals, chain 55.88 x 27.84 x 12.7cm 22 x 11x 5in Private Collection
Detective Lieutenant

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and stove parts, aged metals, keys, brass, copper 66.04 x 30.48 x 20.32cm 26 x 12 x 8in Date: 2006
Private Collection

Adoption Series

Reunion with my only child who I had to relinquish for adoption at birth, has led me into a visual journey of familial experiences we all can share. Symbolic of a former secret life and identity, I unite found objects into sculpture.

Born Anew

Found object wall assemblage: Ladder parts, aged metals, copper, wood, tortoise shell 45.72x27.94x12.7cm 18x11x5in Date: 1993
Single Parent

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and lamp parts, aged metals 121.92x91.44x7.62cm 48x36x3in Date: 1992
Avenger

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and tractor parts, aged metals 76.2x73.66x10.16cm 30x29x4in Date: 1992
It's a Girl/Boy!

Found object wall assemblage (diptych): furniture and stove parts, aged metals, wood 91.44x73.66x10.16cm 36x29x4in Date: 1991
Searcher

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and shovel parts, aged metals, keys, copper 81.28x58.42x12.7cm 32x23x5in Date: 1992
In Custody

Found object wall assemblage: lock parts, aged metals, chain, wood 30.48x22.86x7.62cm 12x9x3in Date: 1991
Birthmother

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, mirror, strainer 124.46x50.8x10.16cm 49x20x4in Date: 1991
The Matriarch

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, stair spindle 114.3x45.72x10.16cm 45x18x4in Date: 1991
Original Mother

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, wooden bowl, hardware, mirror 60.96x60.96x10.16cm 24x24x4in Date: 1991
Birthfather

Found object wall assemblage: furniture, door and sled parts, fishhook, gun stock 111.76x35.56x12.7cm 44x14x5in Date: 1991

Figures

Inspired by personal experiences to guide my work, I create figurative assemblages out of found objects. My materials are mainly cast-off furniture parts, aged metals and old hardware found weathered in the woods. I construct my art using basic tools such as saw, hammer, rivet gun, sander, screw driver. Typically I will attach the pieces with bolts, rivets, screws, or nails, but on occasion I will use a welder to fuse metals.

Dancin' Fool

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, hardware, clock and watch parts, buckle 43.18 x 55.88 x 10.16cm 17 x 2 x 4in Date: 2006 Private Collection
Forbidden Fruit

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, upholstery fabric 134.62 x 109.22 x 17.78cm 53 x 43 x 7in Date: 2003 Private Collection
In Trouble

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, burned matches, hardware 76.2 x 66.0 4x 7.62cm 30 x 26 x 3in Date: 1992 Private Collection
Birder

Found object wall assemblage: furniture and binocular holder parts, wood, wire 53.34 x 27.94 x 20.32cm 21 x 11 x 8in Date: 2012 Private Collection
Tree Spirit

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts partially burned, aged metals, hardware 83.82 x 50.8 x 25.4cm 33 x 20 x 10in Date: 1992 Private Collection
Harbinger's Net

Found object wall assemblage: kettle spouts, drift wood and shells, copper 40.64 x 20.32 x 12.7cm 16 x 8 x 5in Date: 2006 Private Collection
Passage

Found object wall assemblage: furniture parts, aged metals, spring 50.8 x 78.74 x 20.32cm 20 x 31 x 8in Date: 1999 Private Collection
Latch Key Child

Found object wall assemblage: lock and door parts, chains, skate key 33.02 x 20.32 x 17.78cm 13 x 8 x 7in Date: 1992 Private Collection
Collector (Self Portrait)

Found object assemblage mounted on vintage dress mannequin: chains, wire rope, shells, aged metals, beads, broken jewelry bits. 2. Found object wall assemblage portrait: bentwood fragment mounted on sheet metal with wrapped chains, ropes, wire 175.26 x 48.26 x 43.18cm 69 x 9x 17in Date: 2010-present
The Widow

Found object wall sculpture: furniture parts, burned wood, copper, wire, tortoise shell 88.9 x 60.96 x 20.32cm 35 x 24 x 8in Date: 2006