My obsession with making ceramics began when I was 19 years old. I enrolled at South East Missouri State College in Kirksville, Missouri. My first experiences with clay were taught by Ed McEndarfer.  One of my classmates, Mark Chamberlain, rose above us all in mastering this skill, while the rest of us struggled with learning this skill, Mark seemed born to it.  His abilities soared above us all.  Although I wasn’t the worst at throwing, I quickly concluded that I could never excel at this skill. One day Mark and I snuck into the private space where Mr. McEndarfer worked.  We were agog to see that he hadn’t been throwing pots at all! He was hand building the most astonishing, whimsical sculptures!  One has been lodged in my brain ever since.  About 2 feet in height, a black and white pig on his hind legs balanced a realistic orange on his nose. We were amazed!  I was inspired for life!  Whimsy!

I transferred to the U of Iowa, continuing with ceramics for another 2 years. Eventually I had a studio and kiln at home.  This is when I began making hand built ceramics in earnest. I am inspired by plants, animals and birds, flowers, architecture and women. Interesting how my myriad interests have found their way into my ceramics. I worked for 15 years as a graphic designer.  This experience has been a great influence on my work.  I learned how to use line and color and soon incorporated this into my ceramics.  Working with clay is my happy place!