Artist's Biography

In 1972 I received a BFA from Ohio University, with majors in ceramics and art education. I continued my education at State University of New York, Oswego, concentrating on sculptural fiber forms, mostly knitted.

I learned basket weaving in a continuing education course and was immediately intrigued by the simplicity of the tools and materials, the variety of forms, and the cultural, anthropological and historical aspects of the craft. Every culture has its own form of basketry basedon the plant materials growing in their geographical area.

Each material dictates a specific style of basket. I continued my basket weaving education informally at workshops, conventions and craftcenters such as Penland. Both my clay and my basketry have been sold at juried and non-juried craft shows since 1980. It has been included in group shows and won awards. I have taught basketweaving and handbuilt clay classes at continuing education programs in New York and North Carolina,at craft and art centers, and from my studio.

My fiber work uses grapevine to create original, organic Appalachian-style baskets. I experiment with shape, color and texture using gathered natural materials and reed.

About 10 years ago, I started making clay masks. At the same time I began refining my fascination with the human face and masks, my basket work moved from vessels to sculptural human forms. This change in direction in both my clay work and my basket work has created a more emotional and expressive content. Through the merger of clay masks and body basket forms, the spiritual qualities of my work have become more pronounced.