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Being very intelligent birds, ravens have developed many methods for obtaining food. Some involve problem solving, advanced dexterity or even the use of tools. Some involve trickery. Ravens have been observed stealing food from their desert neighbors, the javalina. Because pigs generally stand over their food while eating, it's very difficult to dash in and snatch a bite with impunity. So, working in concert, one raven stands on a javelina's back and pecks it on the shoulders, while another raven rushes in to snatch a morsel when the pig becomes distracted. Occasionally the raven seems to enjoy the bareback ride and elects to stay aboard for awhile. In this piece, I have extended the piggy back ride into the realm of fantasy and given these partners wheels.

This sculpture is part of a series of miniatures based on wild creatures of the high desert wilderness surrounding Sedona.

This piece is inspired by many a pleasurable hike in the canyons bordering on Oak Creek...when dawn is just begriming to brighten the edges of the red rocks and the early morning stillness is broken only by the song of a canyon wren.

Cast in bronze and finished in a semi-transparent polychrome patina. Removable cast glass bowl etched with an oak leaf pattern.

The desert deer mouse is found in abundance throughout the Southwest, often making its home in close proximity to humans. It's next to impossible to move a woodpile of explore a large clump of prickly pear cactus without uncovering a next containing one mouse or an entire family.

This individual has taken shelter beneath a fallen Arizona Sycamore leaf. This species of sycamore is wide-spread throughout the Sedona area, growing to enormous heights near washes and along Oak Creek. It's large leaves and distinctive cream colored bark with splashes of pale green make it easy to identify.

This sculpture is part of a series of miniatures based on wild creatures of the high desert wilderness surrounding Sedona.

In the season of birth and beginning we approach the essential mystery of our children with wonder, dreaming of who they may become within the shape and form on an unknowable future. It is the oldest human story, universal, but never ordinary.

These early years of a new millennium seem especially charged with potential as our focus widens to encompass many future generations and a span of years far beyond the next decade.

I have attempted to capture through this sculpture, a moment when the tangential consciousness of mother and newborn are suspended in time, a moment made potent by possibility. Voids in the form accentuate the head and hands, symbolic of a parent's love and nurturing care.

Cast in bronze and finished in hand-buffed wax patina

Like three young toughs on a street corner, these 'teenage' raven fledglings are looking for some fun. As a group, corvids are recognized as the most playful of birds and young ravens are the most playful of corvids. Their games are often interactive; if one raven slides down a snowbank, all the other birds in the group will likely follow suit. For ravens, as for humans, youthful goofing around is an innocent way of testing and extending one's physical limits. Showing off in play serves another important purpose in adolescence - attracting a desirable mate. Ravens spend the first three or four years of their lives moving in and out of loose-knit 'gangs' in which they meet and court prospective partners. Since they mate for life and often live 30 or so years, this play is serious business.

This piece can be mounted without a walnut base for display in a garden setting.

"First Prize, Sculpture", Sedona Arts Center Member's Show, 2008

"First Prize, Sculpture" and Permanent Collection Purchase Award; Bennington Center for the Arts,

Bennington, Vermont 2008

This sculpture was inspired by a raven encountered on one of our morning walks in West Sedona. He, or she, flew toward us, not far over our heads, and just as it arrived directly ovhead, it casually executed a breath-taking barrel roll and then continued on as though nothing special had happened. Just another episode illustrating raven's love of play.

Play is important, and not just for ravens and small children. This piece is intended to bring a smile and remind us that we're never too old to express the sheer joy of being alive.

This piece was inspired by a wonderful day in Old Mexico - exploring the Friday market at Toluca. This small hill town hosts a true native market,an array of handmade goods, colorful fruit and vegetable stands, meat and fish and, a wonder-ment of exotic spices. The colors and scents still linger in memory.

These native markets are also social events where people not only come together to buy, sell or swap goods but to share stories and news. There is laughter and chatter and children playing everywhere.

This young woman, walking to market with her goat, turns to acknowledge the greeting of a friend, the first such connection in anticipation of a busy, happy day.