I loved finding hidden figures and objects in the shapes of the clouds. A dog, Mickey mouse’s head, an arrow – the more creative you are, the more you find.

When I create abstract panels, I look for shapes emerging the same way I looked to the sky when I was a kid. I do my best to not become attached to them and let the work evolve. As I worked on this mixed media glass piece, two figures arose that I just could not cover. For a time, I toyed with enhancing them to make them more apparent. But in the end, I decided to leave them vague.

The piece is named Verklempt, which means overcome with emotion. The name is for the figures and objects I can see in the piece.

Each panel is 48″ tall by 20″ wide. The diptych is created from mixed media and reclaimed glass mounted on wood panels and hung with french cleats.

The process was a delight. First, I requested photographs of some of the other art and furniture already collected for the space. Once I had a sense of the scale and color palette, I created several renderings of concepts for their consideration.

We landed on a diptych, which would be easier to ship and install than one large piece. The diptych was designed to be the exact width of the bed once installed. Each panel measured 24″ x 38.” We picked up colors from the other art and responded to the fantastic landscape featured in the corner window. We also selected framing that would echo the other artwork in the room.

Because of the installation location over the bed, the work was over engineered. Each panel is installed with french cleats rated for 300+ pounds. Further the glass is laminated and set with 20+ hidden anchors on each panel. The frame is a floating canvas frame and does not bear any of the weight.

I couldn’t be happier with the result. The silver metallics poke through the composition adding eye-catching sparkle. The texture adds interest and dimension to the space.

And I’ll admit, the idea intrigues me to this day. I still check closets for secret doors. (Sorry to report, none yet.)

That’s why I’m so interested in creating portals to the beyond, like this one:

Swirls of cobalt and teal promise the adventure of another place. Another time.

The metallic silver throws reflections of yourself, just on the other side, looking back.

It’s like you can see the shape of yourself in another dimension waiving, “C’mon over, it’s fantastic here.”

This piece is 22″ in diameter. It’s permanently framed in a coordinating silver-toned frame. Available via ArtfulHome.

Created with reclaimed glass, pigments and metallic foil. The glass is presented in a raw steel stand.

This Dreamscape reminds me of that change – the switch from fall to winter in California.

This Dreamscape measures 20 x 9″ and is available via ArtfulHome.com.

Created with reclaimed glass, pigments and silver-toned foil. 16″ Diameter.

The way the colors are combined are a symbol of their friendship. It’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends, but they are certainly stronger together.

The friendship bowl measures 16″ diameter and is 4″ tall.