Artist Initiative

The first aspect of my project was to develop an understanding of technical and design issues associated with producing public works of sculpture. I confidently feel that I accomplished this goal. Through many hours of thought and contemplation I manifested sculptural designs that are consistent with my aesthetic voice. The designs took into consideration the plausibility of their production large-scale and their exposure to the elements and the public. I produced and exhibited these five maquettes in my exhibition CONTEMPLATING OUTSIDE: small works, at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts in January and February, 2014. 2: The second aspect of my project was to acquire equipment and to hone my abilities in documenting and promoting my designs. With grant funds I purchased a computer, computer modelling programs, photo editing programs, a digital camera and other photography equipment. I explored and greatly improved my abilities with computer modelling, which aided design development and troubleshooting. With guidance from an area graphic designer, I furthered my understanding of photo editing and image integration. These new skills, in conjunction with the new equipment, allowed me to photograph and visually blend my maquettes into realistic environments. The images, which make the maquettes look large-scale, were shown with the maquettes in my exhibition CONTEMPLATING OUTSIDE: small works at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts.