I was born in a rural area of Southern New Jersey. My family moved to California when I was 12, and I’ve lived here on and off ever since. I recently moved to Los Angeles after a four year stint in Seattle.

I studied painting at Hunter College in New York. After school, I needed a break from painting and turned to ceramics as a way to mix things up. That was seven years ago—I’ve been hooked ever since.

I feel proud of the fact that I’ve been able to maintain my practice while being a mom to two young kids. Even before I had kids, I realized that half of being an artist is just showing up in the studio. That’s even more true for me now.

At this point, no. Part of what draws me to making things is using my hands and creating unique objects. Perhaps if I start making objects on a larger scale, a 3D printer will become more relevant.

I think I have a West Coast sensibility. I didn’t even realize this until I went to New York for graduate school and I found myself drawn to West Coast artists and designers. The lack of embarrassment around color appeals to me. There is also a lightness to West Coast work- it doesn’t take itself so seriously.

So many things! The best is when I can be in the kind of headspace that allows me to be inspired by something as simple as a walk around the block. Being in the moment, and not distracted by a million other things, allows the inspiration to come in. That’s why travelling is so great: it’s dedicated time to be open to the surrounding world. I especially have loved travelling in Greece and Mexico. The visual culture is so rich there and being an outsider only amplifies the visual experience.

What I have pushed for is the time and space to make the work. Carving out that time has gotten more challenging with kids in the picture, but having a partner who is supportive has been immensely helpful.

As I mentioned, I have a painting background, and towards the end of grad school I was feeling really inhibited by all the restrictions associated with working in two dimensions. I knew I wanted to try sculpture and clay seemed like the most accessible medium. I love the fact that I am touching something as elemental as the earth when I’m building my pieces, and that fire and heat play such an important role. I also get to bring my love of painting back into the work with different kinds of surface decoration.

The lack of financial stability.

I love the idea of people living with my work and interacting with it daily. I see my pieces as physical manifestations of the creative process. It may sound a little woo-woo, but I like the idea of my energy moving through the piece to the user/owner of the object. In this way, the art object becomes a vehicle for human connection.

As I mentioned, having a supportive partner who has advocated for my practice has been essential. The fresh perspective and unpredictable nature of children has also influenced my practice. In work and life, I can’t be perfectionist anymore.

I don’t really have any hobbies, per se. I do like to cook though!

Not really. I’ve never been comfortable on Facebook and use it rarely.

I’d like to expand into making sets of dinnerware. I love the idea of making one of a kind objects that people touch and enjoy everyday.