About the Artist
Artist’s Statement
Dirty hands. That is the common theme in all of my passions…. sculpting clay, gardening, picking up trash around the lakes and working towards justice and healing. My dirty hands represent my love of nature and a deep desire for the wellbeing of my fellow humans.
I am passionate about social justice and earth justice and share a deep connection to the natural world, while possessing a strong belief in revolutionary love. Much of my work towards these efforts requires my time and attention, leaving me less time for creativity. In the studio, I find calm, quiet and peace. The dirtier my hands get, the more respite I find.
By using clay, I feel a connection to the earth, the soil, unspoiled and pristine. I am reminded of the interconnectedness of all things. With this medium, I construct animals, faces, and imagery relating to organic forms of nature and humankind. Clay is forgiving; it can be built upon. One can use its dust and pieces as tools in the process. The clay “waste” can be reused and repurposed. Oftentimes, my pieces are undergoing their own transformation and other times they are simply representing a moment in time.
Bio
BORN 1973 St. Paul, Minnesota
EDUCATION University of Wisconsin-Madison, BSA 1995
SOLO SHOWS
2022 Headspace at Art Lit Lab, Madison, WI
2017 D Squared Studios, Lodi, WI
2007, 2008, 2010 Madison Area Open Artists Studios Participant. Madison, WI
1996 La Provencale Cafe. Madison, WI
GROUP SHOWS
2018 “The Sixties Revisited” at Overture Center for the Arts
2011 Showing works at Hatch Art House
2010 "Adornment" at Winnebago Studios
2009 Gallery Night at Winnebago Studios
2008 Madison Area Open Artists Studios Participant. Madison, WI
2008 MAOAS, Overture Center for the Arts. Madison, WI
2007 MAOAS, Overture Center for the Arts. Madison, WI
2007 “Continuing” Commonwealth Gallery. Madison, WI
2005 Fort Mason Figurative Artshow . San Francisco, CA
2000 – 2002 Encantada Gallery of Fine Arts. San Francisco, CA
2000 City Art. San Francisco, CA
1999 Whole Gallery. San Francisco, CA
1998 “Honoring the Feminine” Center for Visual Art. Oakland, CA
More About the Artist
I consider myself a “Jill of all trades” and enjoy experimenting with different artistic themes and techniques. Additionally, I am passionate about social justice and have worked in various nonprofits agencies since 1996. At the age of 25, with another woman, I cofounded Oasis For Girls (www.sfoasis.org) a young women’s agency focusing on leadership, technology, arts, and education in San Francisco. Currently I work as a Development Director in Madison, WI. My two children continue to inspire me, as does my talented husband, Jacob A Pfeiffer (www.jacobapfeiffer.com) who does meticulous, realist oil paintings.
In 2008, I wrote a children’s book called, “Think Outside the Can,” which teaches kids about the recycling process. Instead of illustrations, I used molding clay to create the characters and photograph them in different scenarios. The book can be purchased online at Amazon, Borders, and through Trafford Publishing.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my work.