Artist statement
One of the most extraordinary places to live in the United States is the Gulf Coast. I am fortunate to call this place my home. A slow lifestyle, good food, kind people and local beauty are what make this area special.
My current body of work is based on these symbols of place and home. It is my way of celebrating our culture and remembering the warmth and
beauty of our lives.
The live oaks that grow here are one of the main symbols of this unique area. They are a work of art all by themselves. How could I not honor their beauty, age and tenacity to survive under some
of the harshest conditions?
The migration of the Monarch Butterflies is just another event that makes our area special. What could compare with the flight of these magnificent and dazzling creatures.
There is a plethora of fruits and nuts that are celebrated throughout the year; citrus trees of all kinds, pecans, acorns, figs and blueberries galore.
artist bio
This is not a typical bio. When I started in pottery, I had no idea where it would take me. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a
BFA in sculpture. Not being ready to start graduate school, I found a job in television as a graphic designer.
After working for several years in broadcasting I was fortunate enough to stay at home and raise my 3 children. Eventually, I took a community pottery class. The class developed into a home studio and eventually into me opening The Kiln Studio and Gallery that I ran for 10 years in Fairhope, Alabama.
Between taking community classes and starting The Kiln, I took many workshops studying under several different teachers in the US, leading me to study in Italy, Japan and China. I sold The Kiln this year to become a fulltime studio artist. Spending the summer at the University of Montana as a resident artist with Julia Galloway was the perfect kick-off.
Because I really had no idea where this career would take me, I never kept up with exhibitions and private collection sales but there have been several. NCECA, Echizen, Japan, Atlanta, and Mobile Museum of Art, are just a few places I have shown.
It has been a beautiful journey filled with wonderful people and opportunities. I am forever grateful for my pottery community. It is far and wide and has saved my life on many occasions.
