To be an artist one always innately knows, but my fascination with pottery did not begin until I was working on my BFA in design at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I was funneling towards a career in graphic design. My senior year, I did not realize when I signed up for “Ceramics 1”, as an elective, that my entire life was about to change. I graduated the next semester and decided to move to where the craft culture was abundant, Western North Carolina. From there, my entire life would revolve around pottery.
I attended an amazing two year Professional Crafts program at Haywood Community College (HCC) in Clyde, NC. An active member of Haywood Studios, I served as treasurer from 2005 to 2006. I graduated with honors and received the prestigious award of distinction for my growth and achievements at HCC.
Upon my graduation from HCC in 2006, I was well on my way to pursuing pottery as a profession and a lifelong obsession. I set up a studio in my home in Asheville and by the end of 2006 was not only accepted into several juried shows, but also invited to be a participant in several invitational shows. I established my work into several galleries across the state and began regularly attending juried art and craft fairs.
In 2007, I was fortunate enough to be offered the position of teacher's assistant for the two month fall concentration at Penland School of Craft in Penland, NC assisting none other than Mr.Terry Gess.
I love sharing my knowledge. I am passionate about teaching others my craft and have volunteered at Penland School of Craft on their annual Community Day. Additionally, i set up and led summer workshops and day camps for the Haywood County 4-H Program: not only in pottery, but also recruiting fiber artists and other craftspeople to spread the craft revolution from 2007 until 2009, upon leaving Haywood County.
I set up shop at beautiful Beaufort-by the Sea, located near Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina. My studio was located on the corner of Live Oak and Ann streets. I love that little town and am honored to have been a part of its arts community.
In 2011, missing my family and arts community, I returned to Asheville. My studio is now located in the River Arts District of Asheville, where I share a space, Foundation Clay, with six other potters.
