Artist Statement

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the natural world. I have vivid memories of playing in the mud, bringing home all sorts of creatures, using my rock tumbler and even falling out of trees, much to my poor mother's dismay. I have always been drawn to the water and spent countless hours at the water's edge. There is something about the ebb and flow of the tides, and the patterns they leave in the sand, shells, and stones below that I find hypnotic and peaceful. The beauty and complexity of nature never cease to amaze me.

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It is no surprise that I found my way to clay as a medium. The texture of clay gives me a sense of stability, grounding me and reminding me of my connection to the earth. Working with clay is a meditative and therapeutic experience, allowing me to express myself creatively while connecting with nature. I find inspiration in the shapes, colors, and textures of natural elements, and I strive to capture their essence in my work. I create forms by throwing them on the wheel or making them from slabs of clay. Combining textures found in nature with man-made imprints, the composition represents beauty in conflict. I welcome the cracking and distortion of the clay as it stretches, dries, and moves in the firing process. Often, I lose myself in the work and let my hands intuitively instruct my actions. I find my creative process to be a combination of both informed and experimental approaches. While I draw inspiration from various sources and techniques, I also allow myself to take risks and explore different possibilities as I work.

My recent work celebrates the multifaceted nature of a woman’s identity through abstract female sculptures and wall hangings. Each piece serves as a reflection of the distinct facets that emerge in response to life’s challenges and transitions. As women navigate shifting roles, relationships, and expectations, they often embody different versions of themselves, each shaped by resilience, adaptation, and self-discovery.

This body of work draws inspiration from my personal journey into midlife, a period marked by profound transformation and introspection. Through this collection, I explore themes of strength, vulnerability, connection, and solitude, weaving together a narrative that is deeply personal yet universally relatable. The abstract forms and layered textures of the work evoke the complexity of identity and the interwoven experiences that define who we are.

I use hand built ceramic work that is often wood fired which provides me a personal connection stoking a kiln for multiple hours, often alone to provide the appropriate atmospheric conditions to allow the ash to fall and melt naturally on the work creating the unique flashing of color and drip of the glazing

By portraying the many faces, moods, and roles that women inhabit daily, I aim to celebrate the adaptability and inner power that drives them forward. These works invite viewers to reflect on their own evolving identities and consider the diverse ways we all rise to meet life’s demands. Through this exploration, I hope to highlight the beauty and strength found in embracing our many selves.