A nationally recognized artist with a 35-year exhibition history, Stahlecker’s background in book making and her interest in human nature and history informs her aesthetic. Stahlecker was inspired to create shield-like pieces, which serve as a visual tie to the concept of protection, consolation, or safety.

 

Her primary materials of leather, wood, and metal are chosen for their intrinsic nature – all found on historical shields from many cultures. Using printing and painting techniques as well as attaching embellishments, the surfaces become rich and layered with texture and meaning, creating a complex visual dialogue.