History
About my practice
As a sculptor, I approach my practice with a versatile mindset, not limited to a specific medium. My traditional background in carpentry has played a crucial role in shaping my artistic vision. Through my study of carpentry, I have developed a keen eye for space, form, and function. More than just a vocation, carpentry is the study of people. It encompasses the understanding of ergonomics, ADA compliance, affordance logic, and the development of home interiors, all of which aim to improve the comfort and well-being of those around us.
In my sculpture, I strive to anticipate the needs of the viewer, and through a semiotic understanding of an object, and the histories they elicit, I aim to kindle something within the viewer. By curating not only a visual but also a tactile, auditory, or other sensory experience, I guide the viewer into creating their own artful experience. As one person expresses what has been elucidated from within themselves to another person, a happening occurs. This is a new, genuine piece of art; it is the human experience.
I firmly believe that we play an active role in our existence through choice, but our environments significantly affect our perceptions of those choices. As a carpenter, I feel compelled to create environments that promote life and provide a place for people to come together. As an artist, it is an honor to engage with my community creatively and positively. As a human, it is truly a privilege to create something that lives on in the memories of others. I take great care with this privilege and believe that art should engage and change the viewer.
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
1. San Diego State University – 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
Master of Fine Arts - Furniture Design and Woodworking ‐ June 2021
2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock ‐ 2801 S University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72204
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Applied Design, Furniture Design, December 2017
3. Louisiana Technological University ‐ 700 W California Ave. Ruston, LA 71270
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts, History, May 2009
4. Louisiana Technological University ‐ 700 W California Ave. Ruston, LA 71270
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts, Political Science, May 2009
5. Hall Senior High School – 6700 H St. Little Rock, AR 72205
Year of Graduation – 2006
WORK EXPERIENCE
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary – 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR
As Manager of Studio Programs, I lead the development and implementation of experiences and curricula that connect audiences to the museum’s mission of providing access to art, nature, and well-being. My role includes creating diverse programs such as workshops, artist talks, in-gallery tactile engagements, and drop-in activities tailored to all ages and skill levels. I oversee the Spotlight Artists program, inviting artists to conduct live demonstrations and interactive engagements. Through partnerships and grant opportunities with institutions such as Children’s NW Hospital and E.A. Michelson, I develop wellness-focused art initiatives that reduce anxiety, build community, and foster creativity.
In managing the studio spaces, I ensure they remain accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to various art forms, from ceramics to digital fabrication. In preparation for the museum’s 2026 expansion, I contribute to the strategic planning of studio spaces and programming. Collaborating across departments, I align studio projects with exhibitions and the museum’s collection while developing partnerships with local artists and community organizations to enrich program offerings. I also mentor teaching artists, providing resources for professional development and community engagement.
Administrative responsibilities include managing budgets, tracking KPIs, and coordinating branding and marketing strategies to promote programs and expand their impact. My work reflects a commitment to accessibility and innovation, ensuring art-making is transformative and inclusive. By integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques, I aim to inspire participants to explore, experiment, and connect with art in meaningful ways, contributing to Crystal Bridges’ vision of art as a catalyst for creativity and community.
2. University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Wingate Center of Art + Design – 2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204
As a Visiting Assistant Professor of Woodworking, I taught courses emphasizing the interplay of craft, sculpture, and design; guiding students in developing the ability to think and communicate three-dimensionally through their work. My teaching responsibilities included courses such as Introduction to Woodworking, Advanced Woodworking I and II, Contemporary Craft, Computer Applications in Art, and Advanced Problem Design: Digital Fabrication. These classes centered on conceptual research, developmental ideation, and the progression of ideas from schema to finished form, enabling students to articulate and realize complex concepts in three-dimensional works.
In the classroom, I encouraged students to approach material manipulation as both a technical craft and a sculptural practice. Traditional techniques for creating armatures and establishing form were taught alongside contemporary methods, including 3D scanning and digital modeling, to help students navigate the intersection of tradition and innovation. Through project-based learning and iterative design processes, students refined their ideas, explored material language, and developed an understanding of how design decisions communicate meaning in physical space.
Beyond instruction, I maintained the studio as a safe and collaborative environment where students could experiment with materials and tools while developing their unique voices as makers. I mentored both MA and BFA students in building portfolios and preparing exhibitions, emphasizing critical analysis and intentional craftsmanship as essential components of their work.
My goal was to inspire students to understand craft and recognize sculpture as powerful tools for expression and problem-solving. Through this culture of exploration and precision, I prepared students to transform ideas into impactful three-dimensional works, bridging technical mastery with conceptual depth.
3. San Diego Community College University, San Diego College of Continuing Education, Clothing and Textiles Department – 3249 Fordham St, San Diego, CA 92110
As part of the CUT Sew Industry education program, I developed a comprehensive digital technology lab and curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the textile and design industries. This program equips students with the skills to integrate digital technology into their design and fabrication processes, enabling them to excel in fields such as fashion, upholstery, upcycling, marine and outdoor textiles, and beyond.
To support the program, we secured funding from the CA Lottery, Perkins grants, and Workforce grants, facilitating the creation of a state-of-the-art Fiber Technology Lab and computer lab. I oversaw the acquisition of cutting-edge digital tools, including seven 3D printers, two 50-watt CO2 lasers, a desktop CNC router, a 24" dye sublimation printer, heat presses, direct-to-garment printers, a 72" plotter, a 48" photographic printer, a 3D scanner, and a fully equipped 30-seat computer lab with software from Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino3D, Autodesk Suite, and CLO.
I designed an interdisciplinary digital essentials curriculum tailored not only for textiles but also for welding, jewelry, automotive, and culinary programs, providing a foundation of knowledge applicable across multiple disciplines. Courses taught included: Sewing for the Home: focused on industrial sewing techniques for upholstery and integrating digital tools into production processes. Sewn Product Business II: Prepared students for entry-level manufacturing roles using advanced digital tools. Sewn Product Business III: Developed entrepreneurial skills, marketing strategies, and proficiency in digital branding and manufacturing. Through this program, I cultivated a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving, empowering students to thrive in evolving industries.
4. Sunset Projects - Miki Iwasaki - 5841 Mission Gorge Rd Ste D, San Diego, CA 92120
Design and Fabrication Consultant 5/2021- 8/2022 https://www.mikiiwasaki.com/ https://www.sunsetprojects.com/
As a Design and Fabrication Consultant at Sunset Projects, a design-build firm led by architect, sculptor, and furniture maker Miki Iwasaki, I contribute to the conceptualization, design, and execution of bespoke design objects, furnishings, interiors, and public artworks. The firm specializes in creating unique, client-specific projects while fostering community engagement through large-scale public art installations.
In my role, I collaborate on projects that range from boutique interiors, such as tea shops, to fabrication work for fellow artists, and the design, construction, and shipping of sculptures across the country. My responsibilities encompass design development, material selection, fabrication processes, and on-site installation, ensuring that each project meets both aesthetic and functional goals.
Notable projects I have worked on include:
“Interwave” (Morganton, NC): A large-scale public sculpture designed to foster community interaction and aesthetic dialogue.
“Facetime” (San Diego, CA): A site-specific artwork emphasizing spatial relationships and viewer engagement.
“Minecraft” (Denver, CO): A sculptural installation exploring modularity and urban narratives.
“Signalscape” (San Diego, CA): A dynamic installation integrating form, light, and movement.
“Astralgraph” (San Diego, CA): A contemporary sculpture that merges architectural precision with artistic expression.
“Children’s Park” (San Diego, CA): A revitalization project incorporating public art to enhance communal spaces.
This role has deepened my expertise in sculpture, design, and interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting my commitment to innovation and public engagement in the arts.
5. San Diego State University, Department of Art and Design- 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
As a Lecturer in the Art Department at San Diego State University, I taught courses to MFA and BA students that blended traditional craft techniques with contemporary material languages, fostering their ability to create innovative and informed works of art and design. My courses covered a range of topics, including furniture design, digital fabrication, and sculpture, offering students both technical skill development and conceptual exploration. I taught, Introduction to Furniture Design and Construction. This course introduced students to woodworking and furniture design, emphasizing both sculptural and functional applications. Students were encouraged to challenge traditional design models and create informed, original works in wood-based media. Digital Fabrication Techniques for Art and Design, In this advanced course, students explored contemporary digital fabrication methods, including CNC routing, 3D printing, and laser cutting. Through technical projects, they developed computer-based designs and fabricated components using the department’s computer-aided machinery and off-campus resources.
Design in Crafts, this course examined the relationship between craft and design through a global lens, emphasizing the historical and contemporary significance of functional object-making.
In addition to teaching, I served as a Fab Lab Technician, training students in the safe and efficient operation of CNC routers, 3D printers, laser engravers, and mills. I maintained and repaired equipment to ensure compliance with industry standards, supporting students in realizing their creative projects through advanced fabrication techniques.
Through my dual roles, I fostered a culture of precision, innovation, and critical thinking, preparing students to navigate the evolving intersections of art, craft, and technology.
6. Tommy Farrell Custom Furniture – 1601 E. 5th St. North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114
Carpenter - Digital Draftsperson – 2/01/2016 (consultant)
As a furniture designer and fabricator at Tommy Farrell Custom Furniture, I specialized in creating bespoke, high-end furniture tailored to clients’ specific needs. I worked closely with clients to conceptualize designs, translating their visions into functional and artistic pieces through sketches, scale drawings, and digital renderings. My responsibilities encompassed overseeing the entire fabrication process, including material selection, cutting, joinery, assembly, and finishing, utilizing hardwoods, veneers, metals, and advanced tools such as CNC routers and precision hand tools. I successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to strict timelines and budgets while ensuring client satisfaction. As part of a collaborative team, I addressed design challenges with innovative solutions, producing heirloom-quality furniture that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. This role allowed me to refine my expertise in woodworking, design, and project management, delivering custom pieces that consistently exceeded expectations and demonstrated my unwavering commitment to superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Art in Little Rock Gallery furniture
Governors of Arkansas’s cabinet room table
Children’s Hospital boardroom
Baptist Hospital boardroom
Murphy USA boardroom
Arkansas Department of Heritage conference table
Arkansas Department of Agriculture conference table
MEMS boardroom
American Taekwondo Association conference table
JB Hunt boardroom
CJRW conference table
The University of Arkansas Athletic Department student-athlete signing table
Bank of the Ozark Boardroom
Simons Bank Boardroom
Fay Jones, Pine Knoll dining table
Professional Accomplishments
Arkansas State University at Beebe Solo Exhibition, 2024
MIXD Gallery: Drop 4 - MAD DESIGN COLLECTIVE, Rogers, AR, 2023-24
Design Arcade – Furniture and design showcase, San Diego, CA, 2022
City of Hope Cancer Hospital – Collaborative work with Eva Struble, Irvine, CA, 2022
National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship – make/SHIFT – “Why Machines?” Panelist, 2022
Small Acts – Groups art show of craft artists, City College, San Diego, CA, 2022
Design in Blank – Group art show part of San Diego Design Week, Tecture, San Diego, CA, 2021
Facebook Open Artist - Collaborative work with Eva Struble, San Francisco, CA 2021
Maloof Foundation – 4 introduction workshops for woodworking, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 2021
The Answer is in Walking – MFA Thesis, San Diego, CA, 2021
MFA Chronicle – two-time appearance on Alexander Zimmerman’s Podcast, 2020 & 2021
[A]part, Graduate student art show, San Diego State University, 2020
Renegade Gaming, Collaboration with Matt Hebert, 2019
[A] PORTRAIT OF PEOPLE IN MOTION: OBJECTS of MODERN MIGRATION, collaboration with Kerianne Quick, New Americans Museum at Liberty Station, San Diego, CA, 2019
Matt Hebert teaching assistant – Haystack Mountain School of Craft, 2019
Interchange, Collaboration with Scott Polach, St. Luke’s Episcopal Community Garden, 2019
Adam John Manley teaching assistant –at Penland School of Craft, 2019
International Contemporary Furniture Fair – Student Showcase, New York, CA, 2019
Future, Past, and Present – Group art show, Downtown Gallery, San Diego, CA, 2019
Drought Tolerant – Graduate student art show, Jackson Gallery, San Diego, 2018
Wingate Tuition Scholarship, San Diego State University, 2018-2021
Tree of Knowledge – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Wingate Center of Art + Design conference table, 2017
Joan R. Taylor Scholarship – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2017
Signature Experience Award November 2, 2017
A. Wrappe Scholarship – University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2016
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Department of Art Summer Scholarship, 2016
Terry Jefferson & Joe Lampo Penland Tuition Scholarship, 2016
CompTIA A+ Certified, 2012
CompTIA Security+ Certified, 2012
CompTIA Network+ Certified, 2012
Bulldog Scholarship, Louisiana Technical University, 2006
Cisco Certification, 2006
Gold Palm Eagle Scout, Troop 59 Quapaw Area Council, Little Rock, AR, October 5, 2005