My interest in ceramics was ignited at Mendocino College in 1993. I took a Raku class with a friend and became captivated by the medium. All of my previous experience had been two-dimensional. I have always enjoyed my art, but the spark that kept me motivated had been missing. I'm now excited by the many possibilities that working in clay presents.
 
I specialize in raku fired sculptural people honoring ethnic heritages. My fascination for both the design and ornamentation of these native cultures, keeps me interested and the possibilities endless. The raku process is like a wild beast, never quite under complete control, often taking the sculpture in a new direction. The combination of form and process are what make my art speak for me.
 
My life as an artist flows directly from my imagination, occurring independently of all other brain functions and is capable of taking on its own existence - a roller coaster of ideas, a thrill ride of emotions with no time for boredom. It's that creative process that keeps me motivated. How you take an idea and give it form, its own language. I imagine infinite worlds inside my head and some of them become my creations.
 
I like surprises in my sculptures. It may come from a combin-ation of materials, an unexpected form or a certain detail. My fondness of surprises continues in my enjoyment of the raku process. The controlled pyromaniac within - loving the way each firing puts its' mark on the sculpture. I have a vision of the final piece but each firing has a life of its' own. It can add some frustration or some magic, but it is always a powerful force in the creation of a piece.
 
I usually sculpt the human form. Anatomical detail is not necessary to-me. I like the exaggerated elongation of a figure - an unconscious result of being short. To me, success is portraying - transmitting the idea of a story being told, a consciousness within the clay, and to have the viewer connect to it, though the story may change in translation.
 
My background and training is in graphic arts. Discovering clay has allowed me to create in three dimensions. This is an exciting development in my career and continues to motivate me. There is so much to say, so many stories to tell...Enjoy!