The more I can get my hands involved with my medium, the happier I am (I even talk with my hands). The involved process of ceramic sculpture requires many steps of problem solving along the way and I must admit that I often enjoy the path to the end more than the product I find there. In clay, I also find the potential for playfulness, the surprise, the juxtaposition of ideas that can take on a life of their own as real objects.

When the structure and time issues of clay become a bit too much and I find I need a break, the color and immediacy of paint is often a siren song. The ability of the medium to convey the power and nuances of emotion is intriguing. As with clay, I use my hands a lot. I may start out with a paint brush but sometimes my hands seem so much more efficient. (Disposable gloves are a must.)

Finding a balance is the trick.

Artist History

  • I received my BA in Art Education from Cal State U. Northridge in 1972, my MA in Design (Fiber Sculpture) from Cal State U. San Francisco, in 1974.
  • Worked as a typesetter and graphic designer, then managed a type department for an offset press printer in San Francisco for 5 years (where I met my husband).
  • 1978 – Married, had two children, and became totally immersed in child-rearing and school/community activities.
  • 1989 – Reentered the art world through Indian Valley Colleges art classes.
  • 1991 – Helped found Indian Valley Artists of Novato and became a community art advocate.
  • 1996 – Joined the Novato Civic Art Commission and became one of the champions of the Novato Art Center at Hamilton Field as well as bringing public art to the downtown of Novato.
  • 2000 – 2005 Worked tirelessly to develop the building and programs for Indian Valley Artists at the Novato Arts Center. Entered many shows, won some awards, decided I missed painting so started to paint again.
  • 2003 - Curated six person show Stream of Consciousness.
  • 2005 – 2007 Helped Art League of Northern California (formerly IVA) to move into a new gallery space and become the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art; moved into the position of Gallery Director.
  • 2008 – Opened a painting studio in Building 500 of the Museum/Arts Center.
  • 2009 – Opened clay studio adjacent to painting studio/started teaching ceramic classes through the MarinMOCA educational program as well as privately.