“Art is a harmony parallel with nature.” –Paul Cezanne. I love working in my studio. I’m particularly moved by the profound and articulated patterns in nature I see outside the windows. The simple beauty of flowers and trees belies a complexity of colors and shapes, each leaf and branch unique unto itself. These beautiful gifts of nature inspire and challenge me. My studio is filled with branches, driftwood, and other pieces of nature I’ve found on hikes or along the seashore. It’s impossible for me not to see them as inspirations and carry them home! Each ceramic piece I work on is exacting and detailed. Porcelain by its very nature of delicacy and translucency can be difficult to work with, but I love its creamy texture and the softness of the clay in my hands. The experience of shaping the clay is meditational yet demanding of my attention at the same time. I’ve enjoyed creating and presenting these pieces to you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed making them.

I have a medium size studio with views out the French doors of beautiful 200 year-old oaks and California shrubbery. I am fully equipped with ceramic materials and tools and a comfy bed for my dog, Huck!

Porcelain and stoneware

Cone 6

All of my pieces are handmade, typically using slab or pinching techniques.

I like to use various textures and embossing techniques. I will use various found objects, that may include pieces of twigs, bark, and shells; anything that will create an interesting texture.

Yes. I've made a few, including a bevel cutter.

Biophilic

The ability to open up the French doors and allow nature into my space.

My rolling pins!

More space, something I think all artists want. A larger kiln would be great. A better way to clean up clay and glazes that accumulate on the floor.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

I literally use or recycle every piece of clay.

I love to garden.

Make large plaster bats to recycle clay with plaster-of-paris and the top of a large storage bin as a mold.

I'm a shy person and find it difficult to promote my work. I know it's important, but I'd rather spend my efforts being creative. I hope my work speaks for itself.

My very first clay piece was an appetizer plate, shaped like a hippopotamus! My sister is a collector of all things hippo, so this was a gift to her.

The power to control the drying process to a T.

I'm always trying to understand the perspective of other artists. What's the possible message they are expressing with color and shape.

I've been very fortunate to have had many mentors in my artistic life. However, I'd like to give a shout out to Genie Thompson. Genie introduced me to raku!

Big fan of Stephen Stills. Lots of 70's music always playing in the studio.

It's a good compulsion. There is always magic capable of happening. I'm always learning something new about the clay or technique, regardless of success or failure.

Hard to pick one. I'm a big fan of Monet for obvious reasons. Love Chagall also, as I started my art career in stained glass.

Create a nurturing space around you.

All clay would be like paper clay, i.e. connecting dry pieces would not be an issue.