Magic Flute Set Design

I was asked by the Jackson Symphony to create a set design that opened up like a storybook to change scenes, but has the ability to be light weight and break down into 3′x3′ panels for transportation. This was a fun project being able to design the set as well as the panels. The scene begins in the forest and the two center panels open up to reveal the next scene—the queen’s garden.

Assembled the set design measures 6ft x 12ft.

Palace rough sketch

Forest rough sketch

First scene: The Forest

Center panels being moved into the second scene

Second scene: The Queen’s Garden

I collaborated with Steve Zimic who helped with the engineering and construction of the set.

Left: Panels disassembled and in box. Right: Panels being put together

Read more about the project here.

The Mayflower II at Mystic Seaport

I went with Dalvero Academy to Mystic Seaport. I was most excited to revisit the Charles W. Morgan and see the Mayflower II—the newest acquisition at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

The Mayflower II was hauled out of the water to begin the five year restoration. The Mayflower II is owned by Plimoth Plantation and is undergoing a multi-year restoration in Mystic Museum’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.

The ship had three masts—Mizzen (aft), Main (midship) and Fore. There is also a spirit sail in the bow area. The design of the Mayflower II was quite different, I thought the ship looked very “English” with two castle like structures fore and aft. These structures—30 foot high were square and bulky making it extremely difficult to sail against the wind. This awkward super structure configuration made the Mayflower unable to sail against the North Atlantic Westerlies. This is the direct reason why the voyage from England to America took over two months.

I enjoyed learning about what the Pilgrims and Adventurers brought to start to the New World. Among the items brought were 126 pairs of shoes, 13 pairs of boots, an assortment of fine clothing, utensils for food preparation such as teacups, as well as pigs, goats, poultry, and some family pets.

Unfortunately I was only able to spend one day due to the cold weather and didn’t get to visit the Morgan. I am looking forward to return!

You can read more about the Mayflower II Restoration on the Mystic Seaport Museum website.

Creative Cup Sketches

Creative Cups is a project that encourages artistic expression in celebration of the lives of those living with breast cancer and those who have lost to this terrible disease. Participants in the project design and build original works of art using bras, which are exhibited and auctioned at a Gala reception at Adelphi University in NY. All money raised goes to offset the costs of running the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program.

Below are original sketches for my Creative Cups bra.

Read more about the project here.

Altered Earth Reception

Thank you all for sharing the beautiful day at Saunders Farm with me and the cows!
I’m so glad to have been apart of another successful year of Collaborative Concept’s Farm Project and look forward to next year!

Altered Earth Process Photos

Synthetic nitrogen farming; the consequential machine

The struggle to feed the growing population of the world in the late nineteenth century led to the introduction of synthetic nitrogen farming to increase crop yield. Over half of our population today is fed with the dependency on nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer not absorbed by crops travels through our water, soil and air leading to contamination affecting our environment and human health.

The sculpture is made from 1/8" stainless steel, painted mahogany and aluminum discs.
Measuring 4ft. D x 8ft. W x 9ft. H

Below are process photos of the build of this project. You can read more about the sculpture here.