Biography

I began making art as all humans do, without thinking about it. Just a natural urge to make something cool, interesting, something that your insides just say "yeah that!' to. So, I think I was still a child when I declared that I would indeed be an artist when I "grew up".  I wanted to be a painter but over the years have found the tactile, three dimensionality of sculpture more fulfilling. I still enjoy 2-dimensional works but I still think I approach them in a much more tactile, full bodied way. There is some kind of energy in the process of creation and you need to be in that flow to have it come out the way it wants to, almost like that thing is actually beyond yourself.

I began my "formal training" at San Francisco State in the Glass department there and ended up on a scholarship to Pilchuck Glass school to study with the De la Torre brothers, who have an amazing way of blending the ordinary and crazy bits of Mexican culture with studio glass techniques. They really opened up my mind to a lot of mixed media possibilities - looking at anything as a possable element going into a larger piece.

After that I continued exploring more sculpturely  with my glass work and eventually went back to Pilchuck again, this time studying with Karen Willenbrink and Jason Johnsen who also themselves  had worked as part of Willian Morris team. So that was an incredible experience that left a lasting mark on my work and I would say continues to inform my creative process to this day.

After finding my way to New Mexico by following  a whole separate passion for outdoor pursuits with my running hounds, things are shifting in my art making journey again. I've worked more with bronze and trying out  different materials besides glass. My most recent work has really taken me into fibers and I feel there is a wealth of possiblities still worth exploring there.

I'm excited and vibrating and hope that energy connects and resonates with the viewer.