It took a long time for me to finally find myself as a professional artist. Along the way my perspective was shaped by a lifelong exposure to many cultures and art forms. I grew up in a military family, traveled and lived across the United States and in Europe, and graduated from the University of California at Davis. I have been fortunate to study with Robert Arneson and Manuel Neri at U.C. Davis when I was young, and was a charter member at the Tom Coleman Clay studio in Las Vegas as an adult. I've attended some life-changing workshops from Don Ellis, Randy Brodnax, Jenny Lind, Paul Andrew Wandless, Cat Traen, Rob LaWarre, Victoria Pamlenyi, and others. All have had an influence on my work. If you are an artist, I encourage you to take workshops and learn new processes. You never know what will incite enthusiasm and change the direction of your work. My history has shaped my experience and approach. I tend to be very eclectic. I make a variety of artwork. I have works that are low- and mid-range fired. I have some thrown pieces, but most of my work is handbuilt. I am delighted to share the knowledge that I have so that everyone can have as much fun as I do with clay. 

I have a small, sweet room that was a garage.

I use a variety of clays. For functional ware I use cone 5–6 clays. For raku and saggar I use a low-fire raku clay body.

Cone 5 for functional ware; 1828°F for raku; Around 1400°F for "Poor Man's Saggar" firing

I don't have a favorite. I love lots of different types of surfaces!

Non-standard

The light in the studio.

My kiln

1. Have more space.
2. Use the space I have more efficiently.
3. Have more glazes—who can't use more colors?

I have several books that I'm reading at the moment: a murder mystery, a gardening book, a self-improvement book; and a book about ceramics.

I recycle as much clay as I can and I try to take care of my tools so that they will last as long as possible.

I go to a workshop or watch a video or read a book or magazine.

I wish I did.

I have two beloved clay buddies. We will self-assign a task a time or two a year to try something new and then we share our results—both success and failures. This way we get to try new things in a kind environment.

My first thrown piece was so heavy it could've been a doorstop. But I have had many "first pieces". For example, my first raku piece that incorporated drawing techniques, where I found my voice. Every new thing I try is a "first piece".

Technique.

I have had been so fortunate to have had lots of different people who have made a huge difference on my artwork. I can't name only one.

I listen to Motown, to classical, to new age and all sorts of other sounds depending on my mood and what I am making (thank you Pandora!).

Because I must. I have created art since I was little. I'm not sure if it's a mental health thing or what, but I really must make stuff to be happy.

Van Gogh, I admire his use of color.

Show up. You can't make your best work if you don't go to the studio to make it.

It wouldn't crack as it dried.