Biography
A serious functional potter for 46 years, I have 4 bodies of work: Functional dinnerware, bas-relief sculpture, life size chickens and animal figures. I have 4 different artists, all living in my head! My studio is an old cottage next to my 1890 farmhouse and large garden that is an Audubon Silver certified wildlife habitat.
Using multiple layers of stoneware clay, I shape, carve and texture, replicating my own photographs into 2.5 D paintings. I paint with multiple colored clay slips as glazes. The clay and glaze imitate scenes of arches, streets, complex architecture. I have used as inspiration European walled cities, Provencal homes, Oregon's iconic structures or landscapes and the structural quality of plants, like windmill palms, bamboo or trees.
Each chicken begins as a vessel or bowl, which I distort and carve adding thrown feet and heads. Each chicken is realistic and true to a specific breed, nesting or free standing.
As an ex high school art teacher, I love teaching and exposing people to my work and to the magic of clay. That such diverse work can come from the same bag of clay and hands is definitely magical. After all these years in clay, it is thrilling to explore each of these different directions. It keeps me inspired, young and enthusiastic!
