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When I first started making sculpture I worked with welded steel and fiberglass. Texture and color have always fascinated me and when I discovered FIBER, I knew I had found my medium! The diversity and possibilities of fiber fascinate me; the color is so rich and dense with an effect that can’t be achieved with paint because fiber absorbs light instead of reflecting it. Progressing with fiber, I wove large ritual pieces incorporating raffia, feathers, bamboo, and wool.

My work is still evolving. I have developed an original technique by carving blocks of styrofoam and bringing them to life with a textured skin of vibrantly colored felt, which is then tattooed, or detailed, with a felting needle.

Most recently a fascination with the head and face as a means to explore human relations and spiritual connections has begun to emerge. For the first time I have taken a theme and worked it through, using wall relief and freestanding sculpture to delve more deeply into an expression of the things that are important to me.

I have been a sculptor for 40 years. I was known as Sandra Duckworth from 1969-1998.

Education/Artistic Development:

  • 1966-1968 – Studied Sculpture at the Accademia delle Belle Arte, in Rome, Italy.
  • 1963-1969 – Graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA, Sculpture major.
  • 1971 – Ceramics at University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
  • 1973 – Sculptural weaving with John Whalen, Columbus, Ohio.
  • 1975-1980 – Many invitational shows, capped by a one woman show at Dartmouth College
  • 1981 – Sculpture published in “Soft Sculpture” by Carolyn Vosburg Hall.
  • 1980-2000 – Owned and operated Frames etc. in W. Lebanon, N.H.
  • Designed and marketed clothing line.
  • Owned and operated OBA! clothing store in Lebanon, N.H.
  • Designed and painted furniture.
  • Ran a Craft Gallery “Toot Suite”.
  • 2000 – One month residency at Vermont Studio Center.
  • Workshops w/Polly Stirling, Chad Hagan, and Sharon Costello.
  • 2002-2004 – Two week workshop at Yestermorrow, Design/Build school.
  • Warren, VT. – Collaborated with husband, Bob, designing and building (by hand) our 3000 sq. ft. house.
  • Published Sculpture in Fiberarts Design Book #7.
  • 2005-present – Full time Sculpture in studio in White River Jct, VT.