Artist Statement

After graduating from Sacramento State University, art fell to the wayside as I pursued a career in writing, editing and communications. Fast forward 35 years, when I retired with free time on my hands. Ceramics called to me.

I knew I wanted to focus on flora and fauna, so I started with the wildlife found along the American River Parkway, which is two blocks from my home in Wilhaggin. My creations include sculptures of herons, egrets, owls, ducks, jackrabbits, beavers, otters, coyotes, mountain lions and turtles, as well as native plants.

What I love about working in clay is how I get lost in the work — the outside world disappears. Sculpting is so complicated and exacting. I have to be an artist and an engineer. My mind meditates as I focus on the mechanics of the clay. And don’t even get me started on the complexity of glazing. It goes on one color but comes out something completely different after firing!

If my ceramics make people smile — and appreciate the beauty, grace and intelligence of animals — then my work as an artist is complete.