In studying the art of couture throughout all time periods, I came across the Théâtre de la Mode. The small scale of the work with its large intention and effect mesmerized me, as it did the world in March 1945. It was a declaration of the importance of beauty and culture particularly during difficult and confusing times.

I began to develop my one-third-scale models into a stand-alone group of sculptures that I called Etudes—a reference to my inspiration from the field of music from composers such as Frédéric Chopin. The Etudes are much more than studies for larger works. They celebrate the power of human optimism and our enduring need for beauty.