Inspiration

I’d like to share with you an insight into what inspires my work and how I develop my ideas and designs. As I work on new pieces I will update this website and share what I’ve found.

I am a collector. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always collected. I love the seeking, the joy of acquiring, the organizing and cataloging my finds and then the displaying. My collections include pebbles, shells, driftwood, Sea glass, keys, beads, vintage buttons, fabrics, bottles, beaded purses, glass and china. These collections often appear in my work.

My love of nature is always present in my work, much of our time is spent hiking and camping in the forests and beaches of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

My grandmother was a collector of china and beautiful things. Growing up surrounded by these items has both influenced my aesthetic but they also have sentimental and personal associations. Afternoon tea served on decorative bone china and flowers displayed in heavily glazed Majolica vases were part of my childhood.

I feel being away from my home country has taught me to appreciate it; much of my work is inspired by European and British decorative pottery, design, architecture and history.

Sketchbook

I always keep a sketchbook and I work in the same book for a long time (my current book for the past two years) until no space is left and I’m forced to move on. I will revisit the same page over and over again adding more and more items. My sketchbook becomes a very fat visual diary; all my work starts here.

Sketchbook - Pebbles Sketchbook - Allium

Sketchbook - Butterflies Sketchbook - Shells

Design Sheets

Once an idea is born I’ll clarify my ideas on a design sheet. My finished piece may not look like my original design but I find that this process helps me develop the look or feel that I'm seeking in the piece.

Design Sheet - Totem Design Sheet - Beach

Flickr

Please take a look at my Flickr photostream for up to date photographs of work in progress, my current inspiration and a peek in to my very busy workroom.