Artist Statement

Growth, transformation of form, and momentum of line are the basis of the works I create. The circle and the disk represent the potential for life and hidden energy, which are at the heart of my creations. In many native and ancient cultures, the circle was a shape used to describe heavenly powers and perfection.

I use silver and gold for the domed disks because of the clean, warm, reflective surfaces they provide. The disk forms I use are hollow and each half is hand hammered, raised, and soldered together.

Though spirituality and oneness of the natural with the physical are important, being able to simplify the magnitude of textures, forms, and feelings down to a single ideal is my goal with this work. While I explore the possibilities of life within each piece, I attempt to approach the true essence of life’s potential.

Biography

Molly Strader was born in Sylvania, Ohio in 1979, and currently resides in Key West, Florida. She obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with a major in metalsmithing and a minor in ceramics in May 2004. Ms. Strader graduated Magnum Cum Laude, and with Departmental Honors from the University of Toledo, Department of Art. Growing up Ms. Strader was surrounded with art; her mother was a painter, and interested in cultural arts of the Native Americans and other native cultures. Creating artwork was an essential part of Strader’s youth and still is today, along with the continued interest in the world’s native cultures.

In the mid 90’s she traveled to Bali, Indonesia, to study under a master wood carver, and to study the Balinese culture. That trip and subsequent studies set Strader on a life long journey concentrating on her artwork and developing her views of simplicity and oneness with nature within the art. She has taught as an instructor at Florida Keys Community College teaching metalsmithing through the Continuing Education Department. Strader continues to design and create new work in her studio here in Key West and back in Ohio. Her work has been accepted and shown in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Minnesota.