A passion beginning at the lovely age of 10
I've held an interest in art ever since I was young. I come from a family of artists, my grandmother a quilter, my grandfather a decoy carver and my father a woodworker, home builder and furniture maker. This list doesn't include the long line of artists in my extended family. Being around creative people my whole life sparked an interest in the arts and I was enrolled in art classes as soon as I was old enough. I began my love of clay and sculpture in my small town art class located at a local artists home. We worked with polymer clay making miniature sculptures of clay cakes and pastries. Following my love of sculpture I enrolled in wheel throwing classes in high school. My teacher, Ms. Papuga was a big inspiration in my life, creatively and as a mentor. She inspired me to pursue clay in college and to eventually get a masters in education to teach (still working on this plan!). Between the years of 2017 and 2021 I attended the University of South Carolina to receive a BFA in ceramics. Virginia Scotchie is the department head there and also one of my mentors. She pushed me to be the artist I am today and I owe my success as a student to her unconditional support.