How long have you been an artist?
I would like to think that I was growing as an artist since I could pick up a crayon or draw in the sand. I was nurtured by my parents whether it was sewing and cooking with my mom or working in the wood shop or outside with my father.
As a young artist I was involved in many classes inside and outside of school.
Are you formally trained? If so, where?
I studied at the University of Northern Iowa under some great artists, ceramic teacher, Joann Schnable and sculpture instructor, John Stancliff. My major was art education because I did not want to be a full fledged starving artist. However, I was an education major, but I kept the hours of BFA students (long days nights and weekend spent in the studio). My love has always been, and will always be, in the studio.
What is your “day job” if you have one?
I am a full time art teacher at a local high school in St. Louis. I teach 2-D. 3-D, and ceramics.
When that job ends I come home and work on remodeling our house or in my studio.
What kind of art do you make?
Using a technique developed in college and refined over the years I imprint an actual leaf into a hand rolled slab of clay I then form it into the desired shape. When the piece is placed in the kiln the leaf burns away, leaving only the imprint of the leaf behind. My technique enables me to capture every vein and detail from the underside of each leaf. Glazes are then applied and often layered in order to accent every detail left behind by the leaf.
I also make necklaces, earrings, broaches, cocktail picks, and book marks. These items are created in the same manor as the larger leaves however they are hand-painted instead of glazed enabling me to retain the details in leaves as small as the finger nail of your pinky.
Much of my work can be used as decorative or functional art depending on the owner’s desires
How long have you been involved with The Gateway Gallery?
I was fortunate enough to join the gallery in October of 2007. While at the gallery I have meet many great artists and learned a lot from each one.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from nature. Each day Mother Nature presents us with limitless natural wonders. As a young child I was taught to slow down and pay attention to these details. I attribute this to the summers I spent then, and Specifically the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I spent my summers growing up on an Island with no Phone, TV, or cars. Without the interruptions and distractions of our world today.
Why do you make art?
I like making art because it brings me closer to nature and to myself. It makes me slow down and pay attention to the small details of life. The feel of the clay under my hands, the delicate aspects of a leaf.
How often do you create?
I try and create every day. Some times I get on a run and will be in my studio weeks on end. However, currently priorities have changed a bit since I found out I am pregnant and I have not been in the studio as much as I would like.
Where do you get your creative talent?
Join us on October 15 for “The Apple and the Tree” opening reception where you will see how art is passed down from generations. This father daughter show will feature the unique Stained glass lamps By Dave Dunn and my one of a kind ceramic leaves.
There are many more that have had an influence on the creative gene being passed down trough the generations: my grandmother works in watercolor, my great grandmother painted in oil, my grandfather dabbled in painting, and my great grandfather was a skilled woodworker. My sister is also an artist but chose to avoid being a starving artist and decided to become a Lawyer instead leaving her little time for artistic pursuits.
I have chosen leaves because I have always had a deep love for nature and the natural wonders it produces. Furthermore, I enjoy being able to create something that broadens others love and appreciation of nature.
Do you have pets? Tell about them.
I have 2 dogs, 1 cat, a tank full of fish and turtles, and a baby on the way.
