I remember the first day of my first job; I was eight years old working my dad’s booth here at the Sawdust. I was very nervous but excited to have the place to myself (even if it was just for an hour while my he picked up more ceramics from his shop). I was so proud to wrap each piece with care and see the smiles on customers’ faces as they left happily with their purchases. That’s when I knew I would one day sell something of my own.
My art career started with photography in 1998. I had caught the photo bug in high school and found out photography ran in the family. My grandfather was a Navy photographer in WWII (Pearl Harbor veteran) and my father also loved the medium. Blessed with the opportunity of travel, I honed my skills around the world. Traveling to Poland, Bali, Taiwan, Grand Cayman, much of the western US, and my favorite for the last three years, Bonaire, has fueled my love of photography. These photo driven trips have not only made me appreciative of the beauty of foreign lands but inspired by the beauty right here at home.
Five years ago I decided to take my love of sea life and try my hand at clay. Harkening back to the good old days, hanging out in my dad’s shop, I picked up some clay and gave it a try. Enjoying sculpting more than I could have ever imagined, clay has become my second passion. Like my photography, I focus on detail, texture, and color. My goal is to create realistic representations of local fauna as well as tropical species. In the future I hope to expand my inspiration to land (not just sea).
Art has become a driving force in my life. Whether it’s a camera in my hand or a ball of clay, I enjoy every second I get to create. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to show you what brings great happiness to my heart.
