Dean Nelson
glass, mixed media
Having spent the majority of her life living on the coastlines of California, Florida and North Carolina, Dean settled in Sunset Beach in 2016. Her methodology is largely improvisational. The dichroic glass sheets She has at hand and the art image in her mind will perform a dance back and forth. The medium imposes its will as much as she does, and - immersed in paradox - she allows for intentional accidents and planned surprises. While Deans creative pieces are fashioned at room temperature, the final outcome is not apparent until after the technical process of the kiln-firing. In firing, the pieces of glass begin the dance of flowing and fusing, blending shapes and colors. Dean loves combining metals such as steel, copper, bronze and brass into levels separated by wood. Although the glass is the main focus of Her pieces, the backdrop is also an integral part of her art. She uses patina products to create interesting textures and shapes. Collage paper on wood is also used as a backdrop on many of her pieces. Deans work has both a masculine and feminine feel to it...the masculine being the metals and the feminine being the glass. Dean strongly believes everyone should surround themselves with things they love and that bring them happiness. Her art is created intentionally, with pieces that she believes will emanate positive energy, love and light in the places that they dwell. Dean has a B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Florida State University. She owned and operated a gallery in Ocean Isle Beach for 8 years, and now participates in juried shows including: Atalaya Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, Murrells Inlet, SC Honey Horn Art Festival, Hilton Head, SC Lazy Daze of Cary, Cary, NC