Some people claim they can see auras. I can’t, so I make them up.

It seems possible that the thoughts and feelings of living beings could leave traces on our physical world. In my work I use physical energy (electric lights) to represent these more subtle, spiritual energies.

With soldered glass on the front and tiny glowing lights in the panel behind, my lightboxes feel warm, tactile and layered. Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques -- stained glass metalwork, carpentry and electronics -- I create pieces that are both paintings and lightworks, both aesthetic and functional.

It’s a laborious construction process, but I enjoy the heavy work of cutting the glass on my diamond blade saw, the hot molten solder, and the power of the tools in my hands. And when the switch is flipped and the lights come on, they also represent my own physical and spiritual energy that I put into the making of the piece.

I build my lightboxes using lead-free silver-based solder, clear textured glass, and LED lights. The glass is painted with ink and powdered metallic pigment. The wooden support panels are painted with oil and house the wiring and batteries behind.