What started you on your journey into art professionally?
I have always been drawn to art. I knew I would eventually become an “artist” even if I had to work the odd job to support it. In the beginning, I experimented a lot until I found ceramics in my 30’s. This was the catalyst that set off my professional career. I took a wheel throwing class, my first experience with clay ever, at my local ceramics studio. I immediately put my name on the wait-list for a space at the studio and a year later I was in.
What is the one statement you could give to your younger self that you would give anything to go back and relay to them at a pivotal moment?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say anything. My younger self was strong and all the paths she chose led her to this destination. She had a lot of fun and worked hard. She’s got this.
If your artwork could come to life and interact with you, what kind of conversation would you have with it?
I am certain it would be like your sassy best friend. There would be a lot of gossip. Probably nothing deep or heavy. Just cackling laughs that are good for the soul.
In what ways do you think your personal experiences and emotions shape the way you connect with your work?
My personal experiences and emotions shape the way I want, and I want my audience, to connect with my work. I think the world can oftentimes feel dark and overwhelming and I am always looking for an escape from that. I create work that brings joy. I walk into my studio and the mood is light. You can’t really be in a bad mood when you are looking at a breakfast food face.
Where do you long to live (reality or fantasy)?
I’m happy where I am at. It’s the perfect distance to the beach and the mountains. But I would love to have houses for the season. A beach bungalow in Beaufort, SC and a winter cabin on the coast of Maine. I’ve also always had this feeling of wanting to move to Iceland, but I think it has to do more with the horses.
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How has your art changed and evolved over the years?
Like I mentioned, there was a great deal of experimentation. I did commissioned portraits for extra money when I was younger. I considered myself a painter for most of my artistic life. (I honestly think that helped me most with glazing ceramics.) I did a quick internship with a local indigo textile artist. In college, I was certain I wanted to focus in printmaking. I just really enjoyed the process. I am a process over product artist.
