I suppose I have been an artist since I was born, at least it seems that way to me. My grandmother was an artist, and my father can draw anything he sees, even though he's spent his life in a left brain profession. I have a crayon etching of the circus I did in preschool at age 4 hanging on my studio wall, to remind me that I too can draw anything. I won my first art contest in 3rd grade and by then my fate had been sealed. Each Saturday morning, when everyone else was out playing, I was attending an art class, learning to hone my skills in drawing, painting and pastels. One of the best parts was always leaving with a finished piece. Almost as good as that was break time, an ice cold bottle of Coke was served while you were working. I eventually gave up Saturday classes as adolescence claimed my psyche, but the art continued. I made a conscious effort to attend the same college my grandmother had and majored in art, at the same time earning my teaching certificate, just in case.
Just in case, turned into twenty years with hundreds of students from ages 3 to 83, across 3 states. And finally, after all those wonderful teaching experiences and a few other stops along the way, I am concentrating on my own work in the studio. It was worth the wait.
My work is influenced by my life experiences; my love of other cultures and their rituals, my love of the outdoors and nature, history and by all of the artists I've studied with over the years. Each continues in their own way to inspire me.
I'm currently working in precious metal clay (PMC) which allows me to draw upon my knowledge and training in drawing, painting, paper making, printmaking, pottery and traditional metal smithing. Prior to jewelry making my paintings were in the 3' x 4' range, and now I'm working in the 1 to 4 inch range.
Each piece I create is a one of a kind, with a few of the pieces becoming limited editions due to popularity. They all begin as an idea, or a feeling, and are intended to convey a message. I create textures using different methods and many times end up carving the clay. Pearls, gemstones and glass may be added depending on the piece as well as, sterling silver, 22 and 24k gold.
Just in case, turned into twenty years with hundreds of students from ages 3 to 83, across 3 states. And finally, after all those wonderful teaching experiences and a few other stops along the way, I am concentrating on my own work in the studio. It was worth the wait.
My work is influenced by my life experiences; my love of other cultures and their rituals, my love of the outdoors and nature, history and by all of the artists I've studied with over the years. Each continues in their own way to inspire me.
I'm currently working in precious metal clay (PMC) which allows me to draw upon my knowledge and training in drawing, painting, paper making, printmaking, pottery and traditional metal smithing. Prior to jewelry making my paintings were in the 3' x 4' range, and now I'm working in the 1 to 4 inch range.
Each piece I create is a one of a kind, with a few of the pieces becoming limited editions due to popularity. They all begin as an idea, or a feeling, and are intended to convey a message. I create textures using different methods and many times end up carving the clay. Pearls, gemstones and glass may be added depending on the piece as well as, sterling silver, 22 and 24k gold.
