I create both wheel thrown and hand built ceramics using stoneware and porcelain. For my larger work, I roll out slabs of clay and after some drying time, I form the vessel. I absolutely love leather hard clay and it’s inherent canvas. Carving clay at this stage is my passion as it’s somewhat fluid. Once I create my design, I feel how the piece wants to move as I hand tool the texture. Living on the shores of Lake Superior, I’m inspired by the movement of the water and the patterns it leaves on our sands, driftwood and beach stones. Adding botanical images, as an avid and lifelong gardener, also feels like I’m sharing my home. Sgraffito is my newest passion, with the contrast making the imagery pop so beautifully! Altering forms and adding feet and handles gives my pieces identity as I imagine they are gesturing or dancing. They’re all kiln fired twice. Once cooled, I sometimes enjoy embellishing my work with findings from the shoreline of this Great Lake, adding a piece of the places which inspire the work itself, my home and my heart.