Creating this nautilus sculpture came about from a printing “mistake", where I thought I had printed a nautilus facing the same direction from both sides.  As I pondered about the interface of the 2 images, facing opposite direction, it occurred to me that this was the more accurate concept I am working with— the yin and yang of my inner self, the light and dark, and most importantly, the intersection that brings wholeness to being. We all have many parts that make up our whole, formed from a lifetime of accumulating experience…  I chose to sew on glass beads at this delicate, yet strong, juncture, highlighting and honoring the light summoned to the bridge that is made between these two seemingly contrasting sides of myself.  I wanted a reminder that all parts of myself, and indeed, us all, are sacred... that every one of us carries many dualities within ourselves, all of which have opportunity for change and healing, when needed, and celebrating, as well. This sculpture embraces that fullness of being, allowing to most fully live.

“Shadow Self” was created by printing photography to textile, layering with multiple layers of wax, cutting to shape, hand-carving, sculpting to shape, sewing, and hand-coloring with powdered pigment. It is comprised of two opposite-facing, yet joined, nautilus creatures.