About Metatorus

I am a recently retired arts educator. Prior to that I spent more than 20 years as a graphic designer after receiving my BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I am a mixed media artist and primarily make collage and assembláge pieces using a variety of materials.

I have always loved creating art from materials that might otherwise be discarded. In particular I am drawn to materials that have a history or a nostalgia about them, materials I find in nature that have a beauty that is revealed from weathering and age, materials that still have relevance or meaning to me and can be up-cycled and given a new life. Metatorus loosely translated means "beyond the tube". It is a word that I invented to describe my technique of creating with discarded bicycle inner-tubes and my attraction to all things that are circular. In general, I love to cut things up. I use leather punches, scissors and x-acto blades and the methodical and meticulous process of cutting and reassembling is apparent in much of my work.

I have been exhibiting at juried fine art shows and craft shows in both Chicago and Northern Wisconsin for many years. Most recently, I received a "Best in Show" and an "Honorable Mention" award for my work. You can see more of my pieces on Instagram at metatorus.mixed.media and Metatorus on Facebook.