My Story

Ceramics

I have been making ceramics for over 20 years now. I have my BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in Ceramics and Photography. I have been very blessed to be able to have a beautiful teacher Char Felos. She was a sublime teacher on so many levels! To have had workshops with Paul Soldner and Glen Grishkoff. To be immersed in the California Ceramic community for a while was a once in a lifetime experience. That I am so thankful for. My ceramics have a functional and sculptural aspect to them. I have been exploring different glazes throughout the years and still have so much to learn. I believe there is always more to learn. No matter our age or what our situation is in life, we never stop learning. My journey with ceramics is continuing.

Plants

I have realized there are three kinds of people; 1. People who love plants, 2. People who love plants but have a black thumb 3. People who do not like plants. I love plants! I sometimes find myself in my pajamas cutting back some bonsai limbs or re potting something into a bigger pot.  My first experience with bonsais was as I watched Paul and Ella Pam take care of their bonsais in California.  Paul had magnificent bonsais. Some have now been relocated to The Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena California upon his passing. I am not biased and love all plants. From succulents, herbs, vegetables, fruit, ornate, bonsais and everything in between are beautiful. I have made some ceramics to fit my plants and bonsais and enjoy the process.

Brush making

I have a special place in my heart for brush making for years. Ever since knowing Glen Grishkoff and taking his workshop so many years ago. The joy of looking over beautiful pieces of bamboo, driftwood, and other materials. Then combining them to make a lovely piece of art that is beautiful and functional. To be able to use something you made in glazing ceramics or painting is delightful. I have taught a couple of brush making workshops. It is a delight to leave a workshop with completed artwork that you can use!  I have had my brushes displayed and given as awards at Xiem Clay Center in Pasadena California.

Container ponds

Container ponds are a sensational thing to me. That something so beautiful can have a symbiotic relationship. Where fish swim in clear water that they fertilize, and the plants get fertilize by the water and clean the water. I have this fondness for water plants, these magical plants that thrive in water and are so beneficial in different ways than plants in soil.  I have found that with enough water plants in a container pond, there are no filters needed.  The freedom to have a container pond, small or large anywhere you like is fabulous. I have been creating in the field.

Photography

I received my Ba in Studio Art with an emphasis in Ceramics and photography. I had a brilliant teacher, Thomas McGovern. Who showed us his amazing eye for life behind a camera. Because of his teaching, I have won awards for my photography. Including California State University of San Bernardino student photo of the year. I have been published in magazines and websites.  Photography is a different outlet to be creative and such a special one. From taking a picture on a modern or older camera, developing it: in a dark room or on a computer, to printing it and framing it or publishing it.   My particular photography of interest are portraits, landscapes and sometimes a mixture of the two.