I grew up in a middle class Illinois family, the only girl, and an artistic one at that, in a family of boys. When I was in the 8th grade, we were given an assignment to write a one page essay that let us dream of what we wanted to be “when we grew up.” This was an easy task… I simply wrote “Artist.”
I headed for college at Northern Illinois University in 1970, planning to become an art teacher. But I was soon swept away by the design department and received my B.F.A. in interior design and drafting.
My husband and I relocated to La Crosse, Wisconsin a few years later and I have spent 33 years here as a self employed architectural designer specializing in custom housing. In between work, I raised two beautiful daughters who are now mothers themselves. I was a scout leader, school volunteer and on too many committees to mention.
In 2000, I attended a Clay Camp on the Mississsippi for a week and I’ve never looked back! After several semesters at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse studying pottery, numerous seminars around the country and many many hours of trial and error, I can truly call myself a “clay artist.”
In 2001, I won a first place award for my “Craftsman style plate” in a local competition that was fowarded on to our State Capitol.
My husband soon built me a pottery shed, and I am proud to say that I have officially retired from my architectural design business and am a full time artist. I exhibit and sell my work in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, but have sold and shipped pieces as far away as Oregon and New York.
If you visit my studio in Onalaska, you will find me working dilligently with my black standard poodle “Lindy” laying on her bed near by. She is my constant companion.
On the road, it is my husband Mike of 35 years, an electrical contractor, that takes over the duties of “roadie, chaueffer, set up and take down and constant errand runner.” Without him, none of this would be possible. Thanks Mike, and thank you for your interest in my pottery. May you never become so used to the world that it no longer seems wonderful!
Mike and I are Irish and love the Irish culture…and a few Guiness now and then.