ABOUT THE POTTER

THE POTTER...

I began working in clay in 1970 in my parents basement. My Dad built me my first kiln and potters wheel with plans from the old "Popular Mechanics" magazine. My parents had a subscription to the "Arizona Highways" magazine and I would pore over the artwork. I was especially inspired by the pottery work of Joseph Lonewolf and Maria Martinez and my first couple years my work had a southwestern flare. I slowly found my way to the work I am doing now.

I live in rural north Florida with my husband, Michael who is an HVAC contractor . I have two sons, Balin & Jesse and a step-daughter, Michele who has blessed us with grandchildren, who we get to love on. We share our home with 3-horses, 2-dogs, 2-cats and 15 chickens. Besides the animals, we go ATV-ing , jeeping, boating and trips to the mountains, so our lives are pretty full.

During the lowest point in my life in 2001, the Lord finally was able to get my attention and because of that decision, my personal life changed drastically and my work changed with it. Since that time, I have been carving Scriptural verses on most of my work. These are verses that mean something to me and I hope they do to you, also.

If you have a favorite verse and would like a piece with it, let me know. I'm always up to doing special orders.

THE CLAY...

After working in earthenware and stoneware for a number of years, I began to concentrate on porcelain for its smooth, pure surface, conducive to the intricate carvings and clarity of colors. Due to the fragility of this medium, it's a constant challenge to push the limits of form and the carving. Once fired, porcelain is among the strongest of clays and with a little care will last many generations.

At no time are molds, patterns, jigs, etc. ever used. Each piece is thrown on the potters wheel, dried slightly and then hand-carved using a pencil, a tiny knife and an assortment of tools made from guitar strings. They are fired to approximately 2300°F. I use stains and underglazes and all pieces are lead-free. They can be used in a microwave & oven. As with most pottery, take care to avoid thermal-shock ,by heating or cooling slowly (don't take from refrigerator to hot oven and vice versa). do not use on direct flame.