Animals and Art, Two Loves, One Passion
When I was about two, my mother gave me a some crayons and paper so I could "scribble". I proceeded to draw my own rendition of a frog, which thrilled my mother because it actually vaguely resembled one. She and my father made copies and proudly distributed them. Ever since, no matter the medium, I have a hard time creating anything that doesn't have something to do with animals or nature.
Last year my family, relocated to a town right near the edge of the Ocala National Forest. It's easy now to find inspiration in my own front garden with all the diverse species of birds and wildlife that come to visit. The move inspired me so much that I changed the name of my shop to Studio By the Forest.
My "studio" is at my home and not confined to one room. Some days I like to create while sitting outside, surrounded by a canopy of oaks while other days I'm inside by a window, watching the antics of my squirrels and birds as I sculpt.
My favorite creating medium of the moment is clay, though I do dabble in other types of artwork as I feel inspired. I love the tactile nature of clay and the ability to capture amazing textures. I love richly colored stoneware clays , and also the silkiness of white porcelain.
We live in a rambling sort of home that we have named "Treetops" because when you are upstairs you feel just like you are in a treehouse. I am happily married to my husband, Shawn, and we have four creatively minded children. We've also got quite a menagerie of pets.
