Artist Statement

"I use humor as a transforming force in reevaluating and multi-dimensional commentary on the events of daily life.  Often original photographs are used as drawing tools to complement the clay images.  The forms' titles often double meanings.  I have always considered titles to be an integral part of my works, incorporating humor or other levels of meaning with the visual expression.   Humor is alive and well in my art forms."

"Clay is my canvas, my sketch pad, my diary.  It helps reveal and record thoughts, express emotions, and keeps a log of my life experiences.  The nature of clay and the application of strokes can record the innermost feelings as they occur and have been stimulated by my environment or daily events.  This series of beach bowls is an immediate response to the nearby beach and the activity common to life as I see it at the ocean's edge."

"I start by recording ideas using a sketchbook, a diary, even a photograph.  With my schedule of teaching and family obligations, I sometimes take a year to complete a work and the ideas alter during the process.  I use clay because it's immediate and I work with it over a long period of time: I can add or take away.   It can take months.  It's a challenge to juggle teaching and family and create art, but it is necessary because that's what keeps you alive."