The natural world of the high desert in
Central Oregon, where I live, is the inspiration for my art.
My interest in drawing, painting and
all forms of art, including ceramics, began early as a young girl. Summer art
classes were always my preferred activity. Artistic growth blossomed at
the university where I majored in education with a minor in art. During
my career as an elementary teacher, I taught students art lessons in all media,
especially clay projects, for more than 30 years. I remain in contact
with my favorite art professor, Sr. Noreen O’Leary from Marylhurst University.
In the past 20 years I have
rediscovered ceramic art for my own enjoyment. Recently my art travels have
taken me to Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, Fiji and Colorado. I have continued my
education by studying with ceramic experts such as Doug Casebeer, Marilu
Pelusa Roenthal, Josh DeWeese, Randy Johnston, Suzie Linsey and Ron Meyer.
The outdoors comes into the home
through my functional ceramic pieces made for everyday use. I strive to
take the time needed to create unique pottery with attention to form,
decoration and color, thinking about each step and enjoying the process.
My pots are colored with earth tones: rocky terra cotta and yellow-gold,
creamy white, turquoise, leafy green and celestial blue. I often carve
leaves and flowers onto my pieces. These shades and shapes remind me of
the abundant beauty of nature.
Pastels, painting, drawing and printmaking
have always captivated me. My attention moved toward journal writing and
illustrating as I spent more time traveling with family and
friends. It’s difficult to carry ceramics with you while
traveling! At first I used ink and watercolors, but now I prefer pastels
(both soft and oil pastels.) Pastels have a strong appeal to me because
of the brilliant colors possible. Pastels are painted onto a board or
surface with my fingers!
Oil pastels are fascinating to
me! Three kinds of oil pastels are utilized in a single oil pastel
painting. I always start with my “work horse” pastels called Mungyo
Gallery Soft Oil Pastels. Next the details are added with harder pastels,
Caran d’Ache Neopastels. Finally, a bit of spice and a splash of luscious
color are applied with my Sennelier Oil Pastels. When the work is
complete, an acrylic fixative is painted on with a brush to prevent smearing.
Now my artistic efforts are mainly
focused on ceramics and oil pastels at home, but I continue to enjoy printmaking,
drawing in ink and watercolor painting.
Drawing and watercolors are very portable and best when I travel.
For me, it’s important to always keep the art mix fresh and intriguing.
