Mirrors: the shape of things to come june/july 2003 Wharton esherick competition

The second year I entered works in for the Esherick competition/exhibition the theme was mirrors. I came up with various concepts for the exhibition and because you could  enter up to three works  I created Response, A Moment in Time and Of Love.

The first one I created was Response made out of a beautiful deep red wood called Bloodwood which was perfect for emulating the color of bricks.

It was an ode to the my youth in the 1980's and seeing wonderful bright colored graffiti  around Philadelphia.

I was always amazed at the size, colors and dimension that artists created as well as the punk element.

I  created the frame then routed the lines. I then filled it with texture and paint to create a true brick look. There was also a realistic turned wood can of spray paint that was mounted in front of my signature that has been lost over time as well as currently not having the mirror.

The next work was made out of Cherry called A Moment in Time.

This was my first mirror design hat could be displayed in any direction creating a new interpretation. It was also an early attempt  into relief carving and shaping.
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The piece depicts a body in free fall and the beauty of motion that exist in fractions of seconds.

Last was Of Love made from figured maple with a painted maple base.

​ This piece reflects the many sides on relationships from a couple interlocked in a kiss to conversation to non conversation. 

I was really loved all the works I created and was hopeful at least one piece would be accepted into the exhibition but ………...

Just like every profession or anything you put your time, heart and soul into a letter like that can be so discouraging.

​ I remember being  bummed out and  talking to my teacher Mark  about it and he stated "Hey I still get reject letters" which I  was really  surprised about but eased my feelings. #sensitiveartist 

And no it wasn't my last reject letter but as time goes no matter what in life can be seen as discouraging I'm always reminded of the quote ”It's not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up."

Although I wouldn't tackle the concept of mirror form for another 10 plus years I can look back at these pieces as laying down the foundation for me as one of my main focuses in life. I love designing and creating one of a kind inspired mirrors blending art/sculpture into functional form.