Every day we're given opportunities to say "Yes. I will. Bring it on." or "No. I can't. Maybe later."
I'm saying "yes" as often as I can.
I was a Bicentennial Baby born under the sign of Scorpio to parents Sandra & Dennis Pearson. I am the youngest of two, my older sister is Brandi McKenna.
Being an artist and a maker of things comes naturally to me. I was born with a Francis The First sterling silver spoon in my mouth. I've drawn inspiration from the world around me since I can remember.
Growing up, I was surrounded by my mother's beautiful antique furniture, white damask linens, blue willow china, sterling flatware and silver serving pieces, all kept within' the Duncan Phyfe mahogany buffet and china cabinet. I would stare at the silver fretwork casserole stands and just wish I could cut them up and make bracelets of of them. Now I do.
I spent time in the basement with Dad as he cast thousands of bullets, playing in gunpowder and watching the brass casings jiggle around in the tumbler, admiring the sculptural elegance of various calibers of reloaded shells, playing with scraps of wood and metal, sandpaper, gun oil, the buckshot and gunpowder rolling around and gritty under my bare feet. That's where I developed a love for and understanding of wood, metal and tools. I was captivated by that world where you make things. Dad's tools were all amazing, enticing and most were strictly off limits to little girls playing in the basement while he was at work.
The Shopsmith I stood in awe of as a child now lives in my own workshop; Studio 136 at Clearwater Artist Studios. That's also where I cut up vintage silver to make jewelry and sculpture, carve beautiful bas reliefs in wood and cobble bones, lighting and any material I can get a hold of. I repair, restore and re-purpose various pieces of furniture into whatever I like.
I bend things to my will by hook or by crook, or rather by saw and chisel, elbow grease and countless Dremel accessories.
Nothing is sacred, the world is my blank canvas.
