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About the Artist

What I Create

Tiles, paints and clay have been my favorite avenues of expression since I became a working artist almost 20 years ago. I create mosaics with tiles, glass, beads or shells in both abstract and traditional forms. Among my most meaningful and satisfying works are those incorporating shards of china or teacups, jewelry, found objects - all things that have special meaning to my clients. I enjoy oil and watercolor painting, capturing scenes, faces, pets and designs as desired by clients. Ceramic painting - using plates, bowls, holiday ornaments and vases - is another medium that gives me unlimited possibilities.

How I Create

What do you see when you are out and about? A walk on the beach at Edisto or on Bull Island is a treasure hunt for me. Shells, sea glass, driftwood, pebbles - all are potential "art supplies" for me. A trash pile on the curb, probably the residue of an attic cleaning, will lure me like a magnet to check for "stuff" that would make for great creations. Nature's colors and textures also shape my thinking and stimulate my senses. No doubt my Charleston roots inspire my love of the outdoors. Not to forget reading - the characters, setting and language of a good book are stimulating to me and help me take creative expression in new directions.

Where I Create

In my backyard studio, I have a variety of projects under way at any time. I store tiles of all sizes and colors to create both small and large mosaics, such as murals, mirror frames and decorative items. A painting in process can be found on my easel. A kiln in the corner fires ceramic pieces I have already painted. Having such a convenient workspace gives me the opportunity to have periodic workshops and "ladies evenings" to guide the artist streak in every participant. At these "make and take" gatherings, creative juices and artistic inspiration can flow as friends enjoy a bottle of wine and each other's friendship.

When I Create

All the time! Specifically, my hands are busy in my studio when I am not actively being a wife to my husband, Bryan, or mom to my four sons, Justin, David, Luke and Patrick. Or when I am not in my classroom teaching others! I do most of my work in my studio unless I am creating a mural or mosaic installation at a client's home.

Why I Create

I create because I have to - it's an internal drive that keeps me frenzied yet productive, apprehensive yet joyful, hyperactive yet satisfied. When I get to share the outcome with my client and we both are happy and fulfilled, that's just the icing on the cake for the creative process. I teach art and ceramics to middle and high school students, and I love conveying my knowledge of and passion for art to my students. Teaching requires that I put into words what I know intuitively, and it brings a whole new vocabulary to the experience of making art. Teaching others motivates me to become more observant of life every day. As we know, translating life is what art is all about.