During my MFA at Cranbrook, I was very focused on creating a singular cohesive body of work combining metal spinning with wood turning. After finishing my MFA and working more independently in my own studio, I now had a broader interest in creating a wider variety of objects, which included jewelry, tableware, and even furniture. As I searched for a way to unite all of the different types of objects that I was designing and creating, I realized that the umbrella of Fictive Art was a perfect approach. As a genre, Fictive Art continues to evolve but it typically involves a collection of artworks/objects that support a central invented narrative. Initially, I created the "McMuseum of Anthropological Archaeology" and exhibited it in several different USA venues 2009-2013. In 2023, I was inspired to begin creating a new fictive art project centered around the (fictional?) island nation, the Duchy of Thurmania.
Growing up in Pittsburgh and frequently visiting the Carnegie Museums, I see what a great impact they had on my early development. The Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, and Library were all interconnected in a single large building. Roaming through the building, I was curious why different objects and artworks were displayed together in different areas. Why were some considered "artworks" while others were considered "artifacts" based on what types of objects they were and/or what cultures had produced them. Now as an established professional, I continue to explore the relationships between art, craft, and design through my creative practice.
FICTIVE ART