Although art has been an important part of my life in one way or another since I was a child, I began to take myself and my art seriously in 1990. My education has been one of a culmination of workshops and friendships that have nurtured my creative side, and provided me with the initiative to pursue my artistic urges. Being lucky enough to find a community of friends and artists has been and continues to be one of the best motivators one could ever ask for. I think this form of an education, self-directed, propelled by the experiences and expertise of others, is a major contributor to my love of sharing and teaching. I feel strongly that one must give more than just the art itself, one must also attempt to give the essence, the desire, the motivation, and have found my way to do this through teaching. I am greatly moved by metaphor… finding it a beautiful language to speak, with the aid of clay, of my life, my experiences, and the experiences of others that I am lucky enough to witness.