Resume/Bio

Formal Education:

1986 University of Illinois; MS Summer on Campus program
1984 Graduated Kean University, NJ; BS Computer Science; Summa Cum Laude

Clay Education:

Workshops (on-going):
Richard Aerni, Peter Beasecker, Robert Briscoe, John Britt, Ramone Camarillo, Tony & Sheila Clennell, Ian Currie, Lucy Edwards, Lynn Goodman, John Hesselberth, Steve Jaskowak, Thomas Kerrigan, Greg LaPlaca, Steve Lee, Leah Leitson, David McDonald, Mathew Metz, Ron Meyers, Judy Motzkin, Lynn Munns, Neil Patterson, Sandy Pierantozzi, Donna Polseno, Bryan Quincannon, Linda Sikora, Gloria Singer, Paul Soldner, Chris Staley, Mark Walnock, Mil Wexler-Kobrinski, Jeff Zamek, NCECA Conferences 2003, 2005, 2007

1996 Brookdale Community College, Ceramics
1996 Set up home studio
1993 -1996 On-going pottery sessions; local community studio: Thompson Park, NJ
1974 Potters' apprentice; Stangl Pottery, Flemington, NJ

Awards:

Award for Innovation: 13th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National, sponsored by the PA Guild of Craftsmen
State Finalist: Art in the Round Contest hosted by Beautiful Bowls.com

Current Galleries:

Juried & Invitational Shows:

Jersey Shore Clay National - m.t. burton gallery, Surf City, NJ (2008, 2009)
Monmouth Festival of the Arts - Tinton Falls, NJ (2003-2009)
Art in the Round - on-line contest by Beautiful Bowls, (2008)
Wheaton Arts Festival of Fine Craft - Millville, NJ (2006, 2007)
Cyberclay - Gallery janjobe, Lousiville, KY (2007)
13th Strictly Functional Pottery National (2005) - Lancaster, Pa
Ocean County Artists' Guild Pottery Invitational - Island Heights, NJ (2005, 2008)
Home Decor Show - Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, Millville, NJ (2005)
Beech Mountain Lakes Festival of the Arts - Drums, Pa (2003,2005)
Monmouth County Arts Council - Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, NJ (2005)
Affordable Art Show - Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, Millville, NJ (2004)

Memberships:

Clayart on-line listserv composed of ceramic artists from around the world
NCECA National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts
SICA The Shore Institute of Contemporary Arts

Bio

During high school, I had seen a potter demonstrating at Pfaltzgraff Pottery in Flemington, New Jersey. I was enthralled and wanted to learn this awesome thing. I became an apprentice (which means I did a lot of the grunt work and very little pottery!). But I did learn the basics, and a seed was planted somewhere in my psyche, my soul, my hands, my spirit. It was some time before that seed took hold...

I eventually went back to school and after graduation took a job with a large company. It was good money, and I was very focused on being a "professional woman".  Not surprisingly, that kind of work and environment eventually drained the spirit out of me.

I needed a creative outlet and remembering my lost love of clay, took a pottery class at the local park system's studio in 1993. It quickly became a passion. I married in '94 and Paul is a wonderfully supportive and multi-talented partner! He recognized the fire in me for pottery and together  we set up a studio in our home. Moral of that story: choose what you love and be happy! Also choose the right partner. Pottery is quite a commitment and often all-consuming. (I make the pots, but he makes it all POSSIBLE!)

I have been studying clay for 15 years. Although I cannot easily pinpoint what influences me most, I recognize that inspiration comes from people, observation, books, nature... it comes from life! I try to expose myself to many different methods and techniques, and work to continually expand and fine-tune my skills. I regularly attend workshops, and am energized through interactions with other potters and artists. I may find ideas for my next piece just as easily at a garage sale as while walking along a wooded path. Influences from travel experiences may also be reflected in my work.

Just as the process of making pottery provides 'balance' for me in this chaotic world, surrounding one's self with hand made objects tempers life's relentless frenzy. Having hand made items in one's life/home serves a special purpose: to nourish the spirit. There's a warmth to living with things that are not industrially manufactured, devoid of energy and vitality. Hand made works as part of the everyday rhythms of life feed the soul, providing a connection with humanity and our own uniqueness.

In 2001, I was downsized from my uninspiring corporate job. I can honestly say it was a good thing. Now I am a full-time potter! -- Not as lucrative, but without a doubt much more satisfying!