About me
From the first time I dug into a block of moist clay, I knew sculpture was my medium. I could bring life to the clay in my hands and express something about my place in the world.
For 35 years, I have studied and created clay sculptures, gradually mastering the technical aspects of the medium and constantly searching for the best way to express my ideas. While I have created some purely abstract sculptures, I find myself returning again and again to the face and figure as the best vehicles for expressing human emotion.
I received training at art schools and studios around the country, including the Torpedo Factory in Virginia, the Loveland Academy of Art in Colorado, the Scottsdale Artists' School in Arizona, Touchstone Center for Crafts in Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. I have exhibited my work in galleries and art shows in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Australia.
About my work
I have several bodies of work represented here. I created a series of female figures split in many parts that tell a story of multiplicity of the lives of so many women, who juggle spouses, children, work, parents, friendships and their own needs. The title of the sculpture Zerrissenheit is a German word meaning “pulled-to-pieces-hood” a term that characterizes the lives of women who struggle to find peace among the competing demands of work, family and self.
I also made a series of organic forms to bring attention to coral and other sea creatures. These beautiful organisms, critical links in the ocean food chain, are bleaching and dying rapidly from climate change.
For a number of years I have also been grappling with issues of politics and race, portraying angry white men, black and white faces back to back, people in conversation struggling to understand one another, and the unbalanced scales of justice.
About my process
I work in a variety of clay bodies, from heavily grogged sculpture clays to stoneware and raku clays. I build a solid form, work it to the right shape, hollow it out for firing, and finish the surface with serrated loop and wood tools. I generally fire to cone 5 and finish the surface with waxes, acrylics or oxides.
For several years I was privileged to participate in wood firings with potter Jack Troy in Huntingdon, PA. We fed wood into a large anagama kiln day and night for three days, then let it cool for several days. The wood ash melted on the work to create an unpredictable but stunning natural glaze with hues ranging from orange to purple.
I have also worked with foundries in Maryland and North Carolina to produce small bronze pieces. I first create a sculpture in hard wax, then the foundry makes a ceramic mold, pours the bronze, cleans up the surface and returns it to me for finishing work and a patina.
EXHIBITIONS
"Resolutions 2022," a statewide juried exhibition, Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, Hillsborough, NC (2022).
“Reckoning," an exhibition of work reflecting on the African-American experience, Art Alliance Downtown Gallery, State College, PA (2018).
"Annual Juried Exhibition," Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, third prize (2018), work selected (2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004).
"Art of the State," Juried state-wide exhibition, Harrisburg, PA. Spirit of Art Award (2017), Second Prize in Sculpture (2013), work selected (2008).
“Fire and Water,” two-person exhibition with painter Isabel Kumerz, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2008).
“Figuratively Speaking,” Art Association of Harrisburg, PA (2008, 2007).
“The Web of Life," two-person exhibition with painter Isabel Kumerz, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2007).
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, State College, PA, Juried Exhibitor (2005).
“Rhythms of the Spirit," two-person exhibition with painter Isabel Kumerz, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2005).
"Recycled Show," Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania. Curator's prize (2019), Juror’s first prize (2008), Popular Vote first prize (2006), second prize (2005), exhibitor (2007, 2004).
Rhoneymeade Sculpture Garden, Centre Hall, PA. Group exhibition (2006), solo exhibition (2004). Figurative clay sculpture and bronze on permanent display.
“Go Figure," Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2007).
"Members Show," Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2007, 2005, 2004, 2003).
"Members Exhibition," Durham Arts Council (1996).
Solo sculpture exhibit, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, N.C. (1995).
GALLERIES/ART MARKETS
Radius, Gallery of the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA (2008-2018).
The Green Drake Gallery, Millheim, PA (2013-2017).
Braddigan’s Gallery, Hillsborough, N.C. (1999-2000).
Red Clay Co-op, Chapel Hill, N.C. (1997-2000).
North Carolina Crafts Gallery, Carrboro, N.C. (1998).
Carrboro Arts Market, Carrboro, N.C. (1997).
ART ADVOCACY, TEACHING AND MEMBERSHIPS
Member, Board of Directors, Durham Art Guild, 2022-present.
Member, Art Association of Harrisburg, PA (2006-2018).
Sculpture instructor, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania (2012-2014).
Board of Directors, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, Lemont, PA. Board member (2005-2007, 2015-2017), Vice-President (2007, 2014), President (2008-2011).
Participant in “Art Thrives on 45”, a state-sponsored artisans’ trail along Route 45 in Central PA (2007-2010).
Mentor for a high school art student as a participant in the Art Alliance Mentor Program (2005).
Co-founder, the Red Clay Co-op, a ceramics co-operative in Carrboro, N.C. (1998).