The question I get asked the most about my work is “what is it?”. Both my paintings and my sculptures are somewhat abstract versions of a variety of fruits and vegetables. They may start out as an apple and end up a strawberry…..What I see as one object , may appear another to someone else. I really hate to limit the definition, because actually it is more about color, shape, and texture. These elements are what is important to me, and I love it most when people react to the strength of those elements.

My sculpture is made from a very underused type of stoneware clay called paperclay. The body of the clay has paper pulp in it, which burns out in the firing. It results in a very light piece. It is also fun to work with, because it is very forgiving, allowing me to work in ways that was impossible with other stoneware clays. I love working in white clay because it takes the underglazes and glazes in vibrant glory.

I received a masters in art education in 1974, concentrating in painting and ceramics. Twenty six years later (2000) , I began painting again. I paint everything from my house my furniture, and the paintings I sell in the galleries. People always notice I have paint in my hair, on my glasses, and on my clothes. My husband says our kitchen is getting smaller, because I have over twenty layers of paint on the walls.

I use acrylic paints, usually painted on watercolor paper. I also use oil pastels and conte crayon, sometimes ink …whatever it takes to enhance my paintings.

I have been a full-time studio potter since 1980, creating my work in the Blue Ridge mountains 10 miles from Boone, North Carolina. I do several large retail shows a year, and sell locally to our active tourist and university population through 2 successful co-operative galleries. I create all of the work myself with no help from assistants.