Artist Statement

Exploring Life Sciences and the Human Form through Art

I returned to higher education later in life because I yearned for the art degree I didn’t pursue the first time I attended college. At California State Fullerton, I renewed my artistic journey with an emphasis on drawing and painting to attain my Bachelor of Arts degree. My creative path shifted when I discovered the transformative power of clay in a figurative sculpture class. This experience ignited a connection to the clay body as a medium, reshaping my artistic vision.

Building upon my foundation in figurative drawing and painting, I found a new purpose in ceramics. Figurative art and science-related illustrations bring depth and meaning to my creations. My desire to grow as a figurative and biomedical artist has motivated me to seek out and learn from some of the best resources in the country, from Anatomy for Artists in the cadaver lab at Stanford to Forensic Sculpture at the New York Academy of Art.

Over the past year, ceramics has become the focal point of my practice. I have immersed myself in mastering the wheel- learning techniques, processes, and equipment. At this stage in life, I approach my craft with an intensity and urgency shaped by the realization that time is finite. This perspective fuels my pursuit of improvement and innovation.

One of my projects involves crafting 87 hand-built orcas, representing the Southern Resident orca pod in the western US, whose population is dwindling due to noise pollution and water traffic. This work serves as a call to action, urging us to mend our relationship with marine life and preserve these magnificent creatures. Through this project, I hope to inspire awareness and catalyze change.

I am also captivated by marine life species that are often deemed unsightly, such as angler fish and coconut crabs. These creatures possess unique beauty and fascinating stories, such as the urban legend of Amelia Earhart’s demise at the hands of massive coconut crabs and the parasitic relationship between the male angler fish and his host, the female who flips the script and offs him once her own needs have been met. By highlighting their overlooked yet extraordinary elegance, I aim to challenge perceptions and celebrate the remarkable diversity of life.

Working with clay feels like a language I have spoken for most of my life. My experience as a massage therapist and esthetician involved molding and sculpting forms, giving me a tactile understanding of structure and anatomy. This foundation has enriched my love for the figurative form and informs my approach to ceramics.

Looking ahead, I aspire to exhibit my work in galleries and to teach ceramics in higher education. I envision integrating technique with art history, drawing inspiration from notable artists. I aim to provide the guidance I needed as a young adult, empowering others to pursue their artistic passions. I want to advocate for the arts, inspiring young artists and those returning to their practice later in life. Through my journey, I want to demonstrate that success and fulfillment are always within reach, no matter when you begin.