My hand sculpted clay creations are inspired by my daydreams, nightvisions, and an immense  reverence for Nature's diverse Gifts. The clay work explores the intimate dance between apparent opposing forces of reality and fantasy,  light and dark, permanence and impermanence. It is the method that I choose to express my perception of things and to communicate stories and messages. In my life, it has become important for me to move past superficial appearances and apparent illusion to examine the deeper meaning of things. Creating in Clay has taught me to be more patient with the Creative Process and to bring my full attention to the present moment. Living through hurricane Katrina and my Father's death has helped me see that there is beauty in the so called ugly things that we often want to avoid. Because I believe in synchronicity there is always a story or inspired message on the back that is perfect for the Receiver of the ART. It gives me great JOY to know that my work is as beautiful and thoughtful on the inside as it is on the outside. I feel that we are obviously influenced by our life experiences, but also by our "response" to them.  We must learn to observe and respond with loving kindness rather than blindly reacting to things.This often involves simply remembering to Breathe, even when we are in pain.  Since Katrina arrived  on August 29th, 2005, and swallowed up so much beauty along our Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as Louisiana and Alabama, my work often reflects Life Lessons learned from this transformative event. Many of my wonderful and sacred customers later found my undamaged clay creations in the rubble and debris of their flooded, storm damaged homes. One piece with emerging baby sea turtles had the message "may you weather the storms of life with LOVE." Although folks are still trying to Re-cover on many levels after almost three years, we are  strong and resilent as we rebuild our lives. Ironically, the day before the storm, I saw at least six large writing spiders in our backyard. Our lush garden paradise was transformed into a leafless winter wasteland by 12 hours of 100 plus mile an hour winds.My husband and I stayed in our home with our seven cats as the hurricane hit. We live on "high ground" less than a mile from the beach. Although so many thousands and thousands of People were left homeless, those simple spiders had rebuilt their web homes within a few days. In the midst of our often very materialistic world, learning to live consciously with LOVE and Gratitude for all that IS continues to be a challenge. What is most important to me is creating a balanced and beautiful LIFE and to some day die with grace and awareness. In between I will continue working in the Studio, take time to breathe in a flower's perfection as I garden, catch rain water to quench the plant's thirst, take time to talk with family and friends on a regular basis, watch baby praying mantis  hatch from their egg sack, cook fresh healthy meals, hang clothes on my line outside and wash dishes by hand. I want to live more slowly and find JOY in the smallest things. My Spiritual partner Chris facilitates the manifestion of such a beautiful life. It truly  gives me great pleasure to be in the present moment as it unfolds. I attempt to hold that sense of wonder and awe in my consciousness as I work in clay and transfer all of the LOVE that I feel into the piece that I am working on. Many months after the storm when I was able to  begin working in the studio again, I found mySelf creating spider webs with written messages on the front and back. It brought peace to my apparently broken world and sad heart.  Most of my Life Journey has involved healing of mySelf and others. As I ponder the deeper connections that exist among people on our planet, I would encourage an exploration of our commonalities rather than a focus on our differences.  It is through an integrated approach to life that we will heal ourSelves and our wonder filled planet. There are truly such amazing and wonderful Connections IF we have the eyes and heart to see them. My "art in clay" is simply a reflection of my current state of consciousness and life experiences.  It is not meant to be judged as good or bad, but experieced as a necessary manifestion of MY Soul's need to express itSelf. Please take the time to explore pictures of my diverse work and Enjoy!