Decorative design triggers a rush of inspiration and art making for me. I have favorite resources, like folk art, Islamic tiles, majolica, Suzani embroideries, carpets, anything from Mexico. The “Arbol de la Vida”, Tree of Life motif throughout many cultures anchors much of my work currently in the form of candelabras, menorahs and sculptures. In it I see structures of beauty, growth, and abundance. I feel elation looking at crystal chandeliers, tiaras, intensely bejeweled in repeating melodies of faceted shapes. My work reflects these aspects of femininity, the decorative, beautiful life force.

I love the challenge of constructing clay pieces which feel like they are growing. Form for me is rooted in the contour lines of design–the arabesque natural curve, the proportion of the Golden Ratio, growth patterns in nature, repeating patterns. I draw many of my pieces before I build them, always pushing to innovate technically, and pull my 2 dimensional design into 3 dimensions. I like low fire glazes so I can have a full palette of colors to paint with. A soft white majolica glaze is my foundation for painting ceramic color on my pieces. I use a variety of overglazes and stains for my painting decoration, including colors I buy from Italy.