Before discovering clay nearly 10 years ago, I spent more than three decades working in the fashion industry. It was fast-paced and hectic, but I loved the way it challenged me daily to grow and refine my artistic and creative senses.

After many years thriving in the fashion industry, I decided to leave it behind and move with my family back to my hometown of Santa Barbara. Retired life was peaceful, but I missed the artistic pressure and creative outlet integrated into my day-to-day for so long. It was here in Santa Barbara that I discovered and turned my creative attentions to ceramics.

Although it took a while to find my voice, I knew I wanted to create statement pieces for art’s sake and not simply as functional ware. It felt natural to couple my clothing and fabric design background with my own artistic sensibilities to inspire the range of patterns and shapes I use in my work today.

My aesthetic has always been clean, modern and contemporary, and I instinctually gravitate toward pieces cast in black and white. As such, I work mostly with white porcelain, which I hand carve through a black underglaze. I like how pristine it comes out after firing and the way my etching stands out against the white backdrop.

All of my pieces are wheel-thrown or hand built, which means they will never be perfect but will always be unique, organic and, hopefully, interesting.