Biography

Dalton has been making toys and sculpture from carved wood since the 1970s, using fairy tales, classical and literary themes, and later mythology and cosmology for inspiration. She is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) where she majored in sculpture. She's been a participant of the Philadelphia Craft Shows, the American Craft Council Shows and has shown extensively throughout the country.

Artist Statement

I create things inspired from a love of animals and spirituality about the beauty and complexity in the world around us. Since the mid 70’s I’ve been making toys. At first they were simple and meant for children. Having always been interested in animals and wanting to tell a story, I looked at fairy tales, classical and literary themes and later, Egyptian cosmology for inspiration. Eventually I made larger constructions and called the work sculpture, though I think my strength is in a toy-like approach to the pieces. I’m aware of how magical it is to get lost in imagination and play and since narrative is something I love, my intention is to imply there is a special interaction and relationship going on. Childhood was a “serious” time for me, putting together little worlds that took on an intimacy and as an older kid that continued. Now, my intention is for adults who are drawn to my pieces, to reconnect with their own creative play instincts. My process is fairly direct. I cut and carve wood on the bandsaw, use a sander and rotary tools for further refinement, and follow with lots of hand sanding. Paint is then applied, most often latex enamel house paint, acrylic, metallic paints and powders, and occasionally metallic leaf.