1625 Peach, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 nbva@umich.edu
EDUCATION
Harvard University, BA cum laude 1969
University of Michigan, MFA 1978
EMPLOYMENT
Sculptor
Teacher, University of Michigan School of Art & Design
PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC HONORS
Artist-in-Residence, Washington National Cathedral 1994
American Institute of Architects Award for Excellence for
Collaboration between Architects and Artists 1991
OVPR University of Michigan Research Grant 1994
Horace H. Rackham Grant 1994
Michigan Council for the Arts Grant 1991
SELECTED COMMISSIONS
Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC
St. Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church, Terryville, Connecticut
St. Clement Ohridski Orthodox Church, Dearborn, Michigan
Beth Israel Congregation, Ann Arbor, Mighigan
St. Christopher Episcopalian Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Troy, Michigan
St. Thomas a Becket Catholic Church, Canton, Michigan
First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Ratio, Publication of the Institute for the Humanities, 1994
Craft Arts International, 1993
Faith and Form, 1993
Sacred Arts Journal, 1991
STATEMENT
My work proceeds in three currents. First, I create liturgical images
and objects for various faiths and denominations, striving to master the
variety of styles and symbols called for by diverse spiritual traditions,
and trying to harmonize my work to the architectural setting. I find myself
enriched by collaborating with clergy, laity, and architects. Second, I
create abstract sculpture in which I try to probe beneath the surface appearance
of the world to find the dynamic interplay of energies at the heart of
matter, to bring the realm of the invisible into sight, to create a sort
of visual music. Third, I create unique, original calendric sculptures
-- seasonal sundials and participatory sundials -- that I hope can momentarily
draw us into an intensified relationship to the earth and sky. I try to
inform the spiritual images with the precision of the scientific images
and to inform the scientific images with the grace of the spiritual. And
I try to bring a keen sense of abstract clarity to them all.
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