About the artist:

Born and raised in coastal Virginia, my earliest memories revolve around the love of animals and the out-of-doors. This probably explains the animal and nature themes of most of my earliest work.

Originally a hobbyist working in acrylics, oils and textiles, I participated in local art shows in the 1970s while sharpening my graphic design and communications skills as a free-lance artist in the advertising world.

In 1991, I purchased some polymer clay at a local art market. My first attempt at sculpting was planned as a gift for my mother. This first effort, titled "The Babysitter" (a mother rabbit holding her litter of bunnies), was a followed by other similar creatures. As my passion for this new medium grew, I was encouraged by family and friends and began to further develop my skills.

Since that time, my work has been seen within the 'Gallery' section of Contemporary Doll Collector and has been recognized with awards locally and nationally.

An on-going project has become a series of African-American women and children whose stories are rooted in a darker period of our country's history, the time of slavery. These 'portraits' were conceived after reading volumes of the slave narratives compiled by the Federal Writer's Project of the 1920s and '30s, other autobiographical material and researching early photographs. I have long been intrigued by this subject and have endeavored to give a powerful voice to the women and children that speak to me from those pages and images.

I now reside on a small farm known as 'Circle 'O Blue Paddocks' located along the edge of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is appropriately named for the panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains which we enjoy from the high point of the property.

Aside from the pleasures of work in my studio, any remaining energies are absorbed by my equine interests. An active member of the Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association, I can usually be found in the barn or on a horse, training or at competition.