I have explored and enjoyed many mediums, including watercolor and acrylic painting, Ukrainian Pzansky, wax carving, and rendering for custom jewelry, photography, ceramics, copper foil, stained glass, paper making, and sculpting.

My career life started when I completed my Graduate Gemologist Degree at the Gemological Institute of America. I was recruited by a South African diamond corporation and spent my 21st year as the first female Gemologist in South Africa traveling the country designing and appraising for the national arbitrator for the American Gem Society.

When my children were young, I taught art classes in the Los Angeles Unified School District Super School Enrichment programs. I ran one such program creating many different classes for the children. During this time I painted commission watercolors.

Always striving to push my limits, I started working with cotton rag fibers. I developed my own process of vat colorization and paper sculpture. After moving to Park City, I started utilizing local indigenous materials to create a "natural pulp dying process". This process enables my fibers to have a muted earth tone appearance.

I also use my skills as a Graduate Jewelry Designer and Gemologist to design and create my own line of silver gemstone jewelry. I sell my work under Dale's Designs.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The discovery process is a driving force in my work. To take a medium and stretch it's creative possibilities is my goal. I think in pictures and sometimes I wake up with a new concept. Continuous line movement, sensuous forms and interwoven shapes along with a mixed pallet of materials are my inspiration.

E-mail: dalecraghead@msn.com