Artist's Statement

“I live in an area of unlimited inspiration… the American River Canyon is worth honoring through my art and preserving through my vision of its diversity of life and natural beauty,” said Deanna about the focus of her artwork. “Contemplating and interpreting this beauty through my art gives our community a new view of the canyon and Folsom Lake which I hope will encourage care and preservation.”

In steel, copper, aluminum and glass, Deanna’s sculpture reconnects the viewer with that which is so removed now from daily experience—a relationship with the natural world. Her interpretation of the local beauty of the American River canyon, its geography and biology, inspire shapes that shimmer with reflected light and natural patinas. She brings what’s best of our natural world to our urban landscape through modern materials and classic forms.

“My sculptures interpret the landscape of our natural world. Outdoor benches of lasercut steel and inlaid aluminum, mirror the flow of our canyon’s waterway. Giant wall sculptures of formed glass and metal arches spread across gallery walls like the incoming tide. Indoor/outdoor fused glass sculptures capture small tide pools of life and intrigue with precious metals, crystal and geodes. Rivers of glass shimmer with reflected light; steel bends to imply topography; etching and patinas are reminders of the passage of time; precious, embedded metals underscore earth’s value. Each work represents a self-contained moment of interaction with nature-- art as evidence or trace-work of where I was on a given day in the landscape, or the promise inherent in the view down the trail to my destination of idea. What moves me about my environment is the metaphors nature endlessly provides to inspire my work and spiritual growth and discover new terrain.”

Résumé

Deanna Marsh earned her BFA at Rhode Island School of Design. After a successful career in graphic design, she went on to spend four years studying metalsmithing at Sierra College, fine-tuning her craftsmanship, and adapting the materials to bring her ideas to fruition. Her work is in public and private collections throughout the West.

Exhibitions and Awards

July 2006 Joint show: Deanna Marsh/Sondra Hersh, 2237 Gallery
June 2006 Joint show: Deanna Marsh/Sondra Hersh, Artisan Gallery
June 2005 Joint show: Deanna Marsh/Sondra Hersh, Artisan Gallery
June 2004 First place, sculpture: Confluence Festival (for American River Bench)