This living collective, loving referred to as "Tribe Called Cats", is the culmination of loss on many spectrums. Specifically the lingering effects of losing in love, losing a close friend tragically and suddenly, all while losing my job due to a plant closure in January of 2018.

       This project was a way to transform and harvest the pain into something beautiful.  That is the tradeoff it seems for many artists to create art:  For me personally, as little as I want to create art when I am mentally well, it is the 10-fold opposite when I am not.  The energy will channel somewhere regardlessly...  

       The journey started with a large block of lay-down lumber, which had cluttered and garnished many different areas around my studio for the last 15 years.   The piece took many weeks to chip at and make completely smooth. 

        The rest of the Tribe (53 to be exact) was a complete whirlwind of obsession, mental release, physical limits and spiritual awakening.    

        Each piece is a physical and metaphorical entry into my year of loss and finding peace.  Likewise, each piece is numbered (carved into the lower back).   They are my babies, and I love them all.  

Wood species include:

Redwood

Cypress

Juniper

Cedar (Westeren)