Artist's Statement:

I have always been drawn to images more than words on a page. They invoke a feeling of a journey and exploration within my imagination. Vintage illustrations found in botanical- and aquatic- natural history books are my favorite. I see reoccurring patterns in the organic world, like fractals in flowers, trees, and in ocean life. This is where I get my inspiration for my other-wordly creations. When I create my tailed-urchins I first 'throw' a bubble-shaped orb with the clay, and when I start to design the shape there is amoment when a little sound occurs, like the first breath of a newborn creature, which makes me feel like my pottery is alive.

All of my pottery is hand-thrown and then sculpted for many hours. The pieces take on a life of their own, becoming themselves through my hands, invoked by nature, listening, and discovery.

When I am throwing I feel like I am my true self. I feel at home.

Biography:

When I was 14-years old I went to boarding school in Bath Maine. It was in this giant mansion that historically had been a home for children suffering with Polio. At night some of us would play hide and seek. We discovered a laundry chute that ended in the basement near a sunken pool. There was a stacks of antique wooden wheelchairs, and a dusty room for ceramics. I was intrigued by the giant kilns in that room. I decided to clean it and I ordered a bunch of clay, and began learning how to throw by following picture tutorials on the wall. By the end of the year I was teaching the other kids.

I later attended Bennington College in Vermont where I studied ceramics further. My instructor was known for making giant pickle jars that were big enough to hold 3 men. Eventually, I found my way to Southern Oregon University where I spent five years studying under from Jim Romberg. He taught me many things, including the art of raku. I loved it so much that I asked for a key to the studio. He initially said that wasn’t possible, but later with a twinkle in his eye said “If there is a will, there is a way.” I went back after dark and found an open window, and that became my way in whenever I wanted to work through the night.

After I graduated from SOU, I moved Chicago to train at Second City Improv. I also I was a potter at Lill Street Gallery for 5 years. I was commissioned to make the dish wear for 'The Mark,' a high-end restaurant in the area. Six years later, I moved to Los Angeles where my pottery was shown in several galleries. Finally, I returned to Ashland, Oregon where I now live with my husband and my two beautiful sons, along with a variety of eccentric pets.