Don

I consider myself a self-taught artist applying a lifetime of skills and experiences to create unique art.

Since most of my materials are discarded, donated, scavenged, found, and typically one step from a landfill, I work with whatever is available at the time. My favorites are reclaimed farm scrap, barn lumber, and vintage parts. Laura is a glass artist, so many of my pieces contain scrap stained or fused glass.

I enjoy creating sculptures with a familiar form to capture the viewer's attention, then, when drawn in they recognize smaller strategically placed components that make up the whole. Whether a recognizable form or abstract, each has it's own unique story.

History: At age 12 I was creating and selling rock & driftwood sculptures and hand-painted images on three dimensional media. I had a passion for art and industrial art courses using a variety of materials, and wonderful teachers who encouraged creativity!

After graduating from a welding/fabrication program in 1979 I experimented in metal sculpture using reclaimed materials, but ultimately pursued other careers that included working as a welder/fabricator, auto technician, and others before returning to school and working as an IT professional.

Eventually I earned B. S. and M. S. degrees in Technical Education from UW-Stout, became a teacher, and in 2018 retired as a Senior Lecturer from the UW-Eau Claire College of Business to work full time as an artist.

I hope you enjoy my art as much as I enjoy creating it!

Don

Laura

Laura has always been involved in creative endeavors. She has taken the practical skills learned from her parents while growing up in a rural self-sufficient home, and combined them with artistic, creative hobbies she has developed over the years to produce a wide array of art, gifts, and practical items.

Although she initially worked in banking and the administrative field, she eventually started her dance studio and taught classical ballet, tap, jazz, belly dance, and other forms of dance for most of her career. She currently works part time as a floral designer, giving her more time to work on her other creative outlets, which are apparent both inside and outside of her home. Some of these include photography, stained glass, glass fusing, bead-making, clay, sewing, quilting and more.

"In a buy it cheap, cookie cutter and throw it away world - there is something so satisfying about using these items to create something beautiful, unique and useful. Plus that sense of satisfaction at being able to support yourself and create things to use and enjoy - made with your own hands. To express yourself and the feeling of accomplishment in a job well done. "

Laura