Inspiration

I’d like to share with you an insight into what inspires my work. 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, vintage buttons, fabrics, teacups, 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, camping, photographing the wonders of the natural world.

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 memories and personal associations. Afternoon tea served on decorative bone china and flowers displayed in heavily glazed Majolica vases were all part of my childhood memories.

Now I’m living in Cincinnati and I’m surrounded by beautiful historical architecture and history. I live in a Victorian house with stain glass windows and ornate cast iron fireplaces. Decoration is everywhere and inspiration is on every street.

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

Flickr

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