I consider my works meditations on the beauty of rituals developed over time to satisfy the fundamental human need to mark important passages in life. Cultural and religious mementos from both historic and contemporary references inspire the work. Materials are chosen for their symbolic significance.

Nineteenth century memento mori hair jewelry, contemporary floral makeshift shrines, prayer beads, wedding rings, quilts and Buddhist mandalas are referenced. The geometric schemes of Gothic cathedral rose windows and the numeric configurations of religious prayer beads inform the mathematical arrangements of the work.

Materials include rose petals, synthetic hair, rings, bone beads, handmade rose beads (inspired by a 13th-century recipe for rosary beads), blue jeans, damask linens & neckties. Guitar-string ball-ends are used as a dedication to my brother, Scot Sharrett (1961-2001), as are the song titles chosen to name the works.

The "Mementos" series (1998-2001), was dedicated to my mother, Virginia Sharrett. Phrases from her letters title the works.

A variety of needlework techniques are used, including crochet, embroidery and needlelace.

My work is represented by Pavel Zoubok Gallery in NYC where a second solo exhibition of my works will be presented April 23 - May 23, 2009.

Guitar-String Ball-Ends Donations:
Paul Bloomstrom, Elizabeth Callen, Jessa Callen (harp), Mike Corso, Tom Crandall, Dana Cranmer, Larry Deming (violin), Nekia Caprice Fox, Abby Gardner, Fred Gillen Jr., Lara Herscovitch, Jake Jones, Shane Konen, Nicholas Mann (violin), Bill Massof, Rob Moore, Scot Sharrett, Rod Teets, Greg Tornquist, Brad Travis, Jack van der Mark, Mark Wasserman, Tracy Wilson, Jenna Young

Rose Petal Donations:
Bette Alexander, Roger Anthony, Lisa Breslow, Julie Brunner Cross, Jack Conrad, Connie Evans, Ruth Goodman, Melissa Green, Jennifer Harris, Jennifer Johnson, Ken Kamber, Ronnie Kamber, Amy Schichtel, Marion Wilson, Pavel Zoubok

Dirt Donations:
Bette Alexander, Jackie & Julius Alexander, Nancy Curcio, Suzanne Dunay, Marie Flores, Nicholas Mann

Clothing Donations:
Boris & Sandy, Jackie Alexander, Jorge Arango, Robyn Field, Beth Henriques, Ken Kamber, Marcie Kesten, Nicholas Mann, Bill Massof, Nancy McDonough (Kyoto Kimono), Andy McMains, Christin & Mike Ogryzlo, Julie O'Shea, Justin O'Shea, Dayle Vander Sande, David Sklaver, Walter Sharrett, Meagan Shein, Maggie Siedel, Kathleen Spicer, Sue Stafford, Jonette Suiter, James Tissof, Westchester Concert Singers, Josh Wimer, Luke Wimer

Technical Support:
Richard Eaton, Cara Enteles, Nicholas Mann, Laura Moriarty, R & F Handmade Paints, Richard Purdy, Meagan Shein, Cynthia Winika

Production Assistance:
Ken Kamber, Laura Moriarty, Brian Rumbolo, Walter Sharrett

Digital Photography:
Margaret Fox