What has your journey been as
an artist?
A journey is an exploration with a beginning, middle, and end, right? In the beginning, I was intrigued, driven, and surprised by the sheer force of will I needed to conquer one pound of clay. But, like any journey, I was only at the beginning. I became a studio manager to pay for my studio time. Looking back, little did I know that experience alone helped me get where I am now. Today, I run my own studio, make my own glazes, and fire the kilns. After taking an unexpected turn moving away from home and raising my nephew with my husband in Baltimore Maryland, I didn’t know that the door to clay was not closing. I did step away from working with clay for myself to mainly teaching clay and raising a family. Now, I have journeyed full circle. I am discovering the joy and possibilities that clay has to offer with the best part being that I can now enjoy all of my passions, which are horticulture, bees, butterflies and clay. The reflection of me in my art is my passion for all life. Life is the art and wonders of nature that I try to incorporate into each piece that is still unexplored.
What do you enjoy about creating pottery?
I enjoy the kiln openings the best. The wonder and anticipation of exploring new techniques are nail-biting. You have an idea of how the clay or a glaze will perform. But, when you’re experimenting with new techniques, it’s like unwrapping a new toy when removing each shelf out of the kiln. I am no longer a production potter. Every piece I make is different and no two are alike. So, the excitement and wonder I create that are seen through my eyes are hopefully just as inspiring through someone else’s eyes. And hopefully, my work will engage someone else to learn and create as I am.
Why do you choose to participate in Empty Bowls?
My epitaph will read, “Give back to your community, you will never know who you’ll inspire.” I am lucky. I have had a wonderful husband for almost 30 years who is understanding. He knows I have a big heart. But, I can only give my time by sharing what I love and I love giving back to the community. It is a bonus for me. I get to hone my all-around ‘production’ skills, inspire someone who chose one of my bowls, or bring a smile to someone who is eating out of one of my bowls. It is a win-win.