Gail has been cutting and welding steel
sculptures for about 15
years, in spite of
earning a business degree from the University
of
South Alabama. She developed her cutting
skills at a local junior
college.
“It was the best piece of advice I ever followed,”
speaking of her
mother’s encouragement.
She creates an eclectic group of characters
ranging from whimsical
creatures to modern
interpretations of primitive art. She fondly
refers to her work as contemporary-primitive
metal sculpture.
Her work gathers elements from the ancient
cultures of the world,
including Native American,
African, Chinese and Celtic; mix
vigorously
with a fascination for symbols and a fondness
for the
sea, and the result is a menagerie of
brightly colored and
intricately painted pieces.
Each one is unique. Gail refers to the
steel
figures she cuts as a canvas, creating a one of
a kind
painting upon each. Some develop in to multimedia works with the
addition of pottery, gourds, glass, feathers or beads.
Currently, Gail is recovering from damage done to her home and studio by hurricane Katrina, August 29, 2005. While not sustaining as much damage as many, the road to recovery will be a long one. She characterizes her work as kindred to life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, post Katrina. She sees her style and method becoming a more integral part of art on the coast. “While my work is very durable, but it took a hit… a big hit, from Katrina; and, while some pieces were lost forever, those that did survive, though damaged, will be repaired, and repainted, better, and more beautiful than ever. I can’t think of a better forecast for the future on the coast than that”.
Her immediate focus is on repairing and refinishing work that was damaged in her studio or recovered from destroyed galleries, as well as those pieces collectors can return to her. Creating completely new work is on hold until damaged equipment can be replaced. “I’ve got plenty to do”, she says, “I can finally finish some old forgotten friends”.