I grew up influenced by family artists. I received my formal education from the University of Cincinnati where I studied painting and ceramics. For 50 years, I have been developing my craft, and continue to develop my style. While there may be a recurring theme, each piece is an individual work of art. How I make vessels - My one of a kind pieces combine wheel thrown, slab constructed, and coil techniques. I emphasize surface decoration by carving, stamping, paddling, and incising. I complete the form with free hand sculptural floral and bird detail. Once bisque fired , I glaze each piece with multiple glazes by individually brushing each detail. I fire each piece to 2,159 degrees. An active member since 1983 of The Southern Highland Craft Guild . Co founder of Terra Madre Women in Clay . An active member since 1983 of The Southern Highland Craft Guild . Co founder of Terra Madre Women in Clay - 2009 - 35 women clay artists from Tn. I helped to establish a micro craft business in Eldoret, Kenya in 2005 where I was hired by AMPATH - a global health consortium. I have in the past and continue to teach at the John C Campbell Folk School. I also teach at community art centers.