Bonfire

O’Neill was thrusted into her metal sculpture career when her dad was diagnosed with lung cancer.  “My Dad has always been a major influence in my life. You would describe him as a “renaissance” man. He was always exploring new creative expressions from photography to candle making. He found his true calling as a potter. I always followed his lead, enjoying the journey and camaraderie. His death started my artistic journey - first making mixed media creations with his pottery and enhancing them with metal receptacles. I wanted to pursue a new perspective to honor my dad’s art. I believe the expected presentation of a ceramic vessel limited its expression and uniqueness. This led to my exploration of metal form as its own artistic expression.” Recently, I am exploring the manipulation of metal using fabrication machinery: Specifically, the bending and cutting of metal to form a more fluid and unique sculpture. Each shape contributes to the final form. The exploration of the positive and negative space, the composition and three-dimensional process results in something unique that usually surprises me. Also, I am exploring better integration of my ceramic, glass and steel pieces: Building each piece with the other in mind.