bio | resume | artist’s statement

Many of you may know me from my work in clay, and you may be wondering what could have caused this drastic change in my work. Let me give you a little background information!

I grew up amid rolling hills, tall trees, and a pack of dogs on a farm in Southern Ohio. After college, my husband Scott and I moved around quite a bit, making stops in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana; all the while I experimented with many different craft media including mosaic, hot glass, jewelry, clay, and paper collage. Then in the spring of 2006, we took a leap of faith and relocated to the beautiful midcoast region of Maine. While in Maine, I began to work in clay full time, and was fortunate enough to spend the better part of one summer working in the factory studios at Watershed Center for Ceramic Art in Newcastle, Maine. Living in that part of the country was an extremely rewarding experience for both Scott and myself; we made wonderful friendships, found great avenues for both personal and professional growth, and simply loved the Maine lifestyle.

However, in the fall of 2008, we again answered the call of Scott’s work and relocated to the Northampton, Massachusetts area. I had intended to continue with my clay work after our move, but as fate would have it, we were simply unable to find suitable studio space at a reasonable price. So in answer to the need to create, I returned to the media of cut paper collage.

In the beginning, it was a difficult switch for me, as I had come to love working with clay. But, as time passed, and I began to explore the colors, patterns and textures of the paper palette, I started to see the endless possibilities this medium has to offer. My limiting myself to the use of tiny pieces of cut paper as a means to bring my ideas to life, I am able to challenge myself both technically and aesthetically. I find myself using colors and patterns in new and exciting ways, and I am constantly searching for new subjects and ideas to incorporate into my collage work. So, at this point I am extremely pleased with the directions in which my life has gone, and I look forward to the next great adventure, which is always just around the bend.