Art has always been an important part of my life, from childhood family members encouraged me to use my imagination and be creative. Later as the wife of a career Air Force officer, I made the most of our moves by learning about diverse cultures, visiting museums and galleries, and studying about the architecture and art here in the United States as well as in Europe.

 

I currently work at master potter, Dan Finch’s studio in Bailey, North Carolina as a potter and studio assistant.  The many talented artists there, who are willing to share techniques, encourage, and critique the work that I create, inspire me. I have attended workshops, seminars and conferences, and studied with many gifted sculptors and potters. I was exposed to the work of sculptor, Enzo Torcoletti, who was an artist- in- residence at Barton College. His dynamic carvings in wood, stone and clay helped me realize that working in more than one medium was an approach I wanted to take.

 

Other influences on my work include Oklahoma artist, Quentin Hubbarth and my own father. Hubbarth combines metal and clay in his industrial pottery line. By using repetitive geometric forms he integrates negative spaces, which interact with the media used. Like Hubbarth, I look for a variety of materials to incorporate for my mixed media pieces. As a result of precious time spent with my father, a woodworker, exploring nature, I found my love of texture. I learned to appreciate the richness of tree bark and the movement of the wood grain within.  

 

My work is an exploration of materials, which I combine to create sculptural and functional pieces. Inspiration can come from the unexpected, items found in nature and/or everyday life. I find it intriguing to consider which pieces and parts will work together to bring new life forth as art. The challenge for me is to manipulate the fluid motion of clay so that is can be fused with rigid pieces of metal or driftwood. When creating, it is important to me to be mindful of what the medium is capable of, and sense what the piece can become, or what they want to be. Through patient and unforced dialogue with the materials, I feel I have the greatest success. Driftwood as part of a ceramic sculpture, rusty metal incorporated into functional pottery, and smooth vitrified glass contrasting with textured stained clay have all become common elements in my work. I think the juxtaposition of combining these materials allows me to surprise the viewer, to awaken a new appreciation for what is often taken for granted and now has become more interesting and unique.