About the Artist
I was born in a small farming community in southern Indiana. As a child, I loved to draw, collect insects and ride horses.
I continued my informal art education in high school and produced a ceiling fresco in the art room of my high school. (Unfortunately, the building has been torn down.)
I attended formal training in the arts at the University of Minnesota, trying my hand at nearly everything: intaglio making and printing, sculpture, charcoal sketching and painting.
While I enjoyed it all, there was always something nagging me. It took a number of years but then I found it: clay!
It seemed so basic yet satisfying; when you make something with your own hands and then fire it at 2,400 degrees, it's permanent.
I'd finally found my medium!
Inspiration for My Work
Much of my inspiration for decorative faces comes from Native American legends, Celtic folklore and Greek mythology. People's faces are so unique, and facial expressions say so much about the external and internal person.
Where to See My Work
My work can be seen at shows around the Midwest during the summer months and Christmas, and year round at several galleries. A listing of these galleries is provided on the home page of this site.
I absolutely love every minute of every single thing I do involving my work, but I especially enjoy doing shows. It's really great to interact with people and see how they respond. Every time someone walks into my tent and smiles, I know I've done something really good.
Associations
I am a member of the Eagan Art House in Eagan, Minnesota (also known as the Dakota Country Center for the Arts). The Eagan Art House is a nonprofit arts organization providing art classes to the surrounding communities.
I am an active participant in the Ceramics program, have served a term as President and have been granted a lifetime Board of Directors membership in recognition of years of service and support.
You can contact the Eagan Art House at www.eaganarthouse.org.
About MeI live in the Twin Cities of the state of Minnesota, with my husband Joe, son Paul and a menagerie of animals.