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"Art is a way of life for me. I have been involved in some form of art or crafts since I was a child. During my teens, I became interested in Native American art and did several projects in that area. It wasn't until I was in my later 20's that I began to take fine arts courses at my local college and found that I loved drawing and painting. While I worked on my degree, I taught art and art history at a Charter School for two years teaching grades 6-8.The next major step in my creative life was taking a handbuilt ceramics course which was part of my art requirement. I had never been interested in 3D art before this. The first time that I held stoneware clay in my hands was a life-changing experience. I felt as though I had always done that work of molding earth into forms and vessels.
My work with gourds came two years ago when I was on summer break. Using gourds would be a way for me to make bowls and vessels without a kiln. When I held a gourd in my hands for the first time, the same magic happened for me as it had with the clay. I felt an instant connection to the gourd and to the natural things that I added on to it.
I think that all of my varied experiences in art are what I bring to the gourd. The natural world and my Cherokee Heritage are the strongest influences in my art. I also have a strong enthusiasm to help people find their creative places inside them. I'm presently teaching gourd art while I continue to work on my own art education. I live in Central California with my husband, Jim, who is a wonderful artisan and canoe maker. My Golden Retriever, Levi, shares our space and I try to be with my daughters and grandsons as much as possible."
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