The great "aha" moment for starting my business came quite unexpectedly one grey winter morning. I had been nursing a broken foot and my aging furry forever-kid Boomer, on the sofa, when my husband showed me a broken vegetable steamer from our kitchen, the metal kind with many petals on it that fold into the center. Well, one of these petals had broken off and he held it up for me to see. At that fortuitous moment, my eyes saw a "dog ear" and my mind said make dogs out of kitchen tools! I know.... it sounds crazy, but the foundation had long been laid with my fondness for upcycled art, dogs and much time spent in the kitchen baking. And, after making a living as a graphic designer, my soul desired something more personal, more tangible to create and share.

Well, what else could I do? I started hoarding crazy old items at yard and estate sales, antique and junk shops, wherever I could! After about a month of collecting, it sat on the dining room table awaiting it's destiny, or rather my husband started complaining about the mess and my laziness. Truth be told, I didn't know what to do with this stuff! Still, you can't spend money and clutter up your house for no good reason so I dug up some tools (with my husband Paul's help and encouragement) and starting thinking, deconstructing, spending time in our god-forsaken basement and fabricating. I think that my experience in the pet industry developing toys was a tremendous plus since the process felt similar to creating 2D computer illustrations, but in 3D.

Soon, the first doggie was born! Not my favorite, but encouraging none-the-less, so I proceeded to build many and more specific breeds. Each sculpture is different in construction and outcome and as unique as the parts they are composed of…vintage tools that remind me of my childhood and some from my long-gone grandmother's childhood! Many are made in the USA, France, Germany, Sweden, Japan, and provide a rather enjoyable history lesson. These goodies now come from yard sales and other people's god-forsaken basements. I also have secret helpers that leave stuff on my porch and in my mailbox…the best of friends!

As a critical mass began growing, I decided that I needed to get these cuties "adopted" to loving homes, preferably ones with more wall space. I personally fell and still fall in love with each one and my husband could attest to this; laugh out loud in my studio when they "come to life"…..usually when the eyes go in. Most of my customers also get a chuckle out of them when they first see them and try to find that certain someone! It makes me feel so good that they get it. Humor is alive and well.

Unfortunately my sweet Boomer has crossed the rainbow bridge. But one of my customer's gave me the most cherished thought about her, suggesting that these sculptures were my sweetie's "gift" to me before she left. That idea has kept the inspiration alive and allows me to put a little "bit" of Boomer in each one. Reaching people who realize how happy art can make you feel each time you look at it, especially when it reminds you of a special friend, is my new-found purpose and the goal of MUTTS & BOLTS.