Shirley K.

"Big, Black, Beautiful" 2006; Reconstructed (hand stitched) Ballgown, Bronze; 60" diameter x 10" deep.

"Witty in Pink" 2006; Vintage Tulle, bronze; 32" diameter x 7" deep.
How does your economic reality effect your art?
Almost 4 decades ago, I started creating art from the most basic materials beginning with a workbench, a piece of stone & chisel in a basement with one lightbulb. When I sold enough of this art, I built a small studio onto my house, bought pneumatic tools & hydraulic lift, etc. There were times when I had bigger ideas than the money (from my artwork) to realize these ideas. So I kept the ideas on the "drawing board" or borrowed from a relative until I could pay her back. As I sold more work, I experimented with new media, added content & sold some public art, which has given me some means to do further artwork.

"Trapped" 2012; Used (& abused) women's shoes (upper leather), weathered barbed wire; 5 1/2' H. x 5 1/2' W.

"Bridal Bouquet for Gertrude & Alice" 2015 (aerial view); Reconstructed Bridal Gown, tinted translucent rubber, steel; 45" h. x 36" w. x 34" d.
www.shirleyklinghoffer.com