About the Artist

III am ceramic artist working primarily with Raku firing techniques. A native of Baltimore, MD., I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from
the University of Maryland. After taking wheel and slab building classes at the Baltimore Potters Guild, I moved to GA in 1990. Since
relocating, I have pursued interests in stained glass and digital photography, but eventually rekindled my interest in clay; in particular, I
discovered the Raku firing process which has become a passion. Experimenting over several years led me to develop my own unique style by
creating large flat Raku wall masks. I have been exhibiting and selling my artwork since 2002 and am currently represented by several local
galleries, but prefer shows as a means of selling since I get to meet the buyers. I started doing shows in 2004 and have won several awards., as
As you've hopefully discovered, I don't actually "do racoons", which I did have to explain to a group before they actually saw my work!

My current work is hand built as I find it gives me a sense of freedom and possibility. I am inspired by the limitless range of expressions and
emotions conveyed by faces. I also love contemporary art and enjoy mixing geometric and linear forms with some asymmetry to throw off the
balance and create more interest. For me, working with clay is incredibly therapeutic since my concentration is focused, allowing me to relax
while conveying my thoughts, imagination, and emotions through the expressions and features of the mask. The best part of making the
masks is when I display them at shows. I love to see and hear people's reactions, which are often the genesis of interesting conversations.
Most people walk up and tap on the masks believing they are made of metal. They then often reveal who they believe the mask resembles,
sometimes a family member or friend, or they suggest are all self portraits. I do admit that my mood when creating is often projected into
the expression on the mask and I hope they create a response in the viewer as well since my inspiration is the limitless range of expressions
and emotions conveyed by faces.