Bee Balm Handiwork

I create beautiful, yet functional, dishes, vases, cups and bowls. My artistic growth has allowed me to expand my portfolio to include handbuilding houses (for birds, play and decorative), tiles and most recently animals.

The materials I use are a variety of clays, stonewares, slips and glazes including Mayco and Amaco. I hand create glaze batches with recipes from Mesa Art Center, glazy.org and other internet sources. As my artistry evolves, I look to include other materials such as metal. I create matte, glossy, raku and horsehair finishes that further define my artistry.

My crafting tools incorporate everything from my hands, to hand tools, pottery wheel, rolling pin, stamps, welding torch and raw materials such as stoneware, sculpting clay, metal. As I dedicate time to each piece, I develop a connection where I come to know and love each creation.

Through my studios, I have access to both electric oxidation kilns and gas reduction kilns. With these, I can create a variety of effects on my works. The oxidation kilns bring control and focus to the glaze work, while the reduction kilns bring raw heat and chaos. Each has its own place.

I bring my creations to life in my pottery studio in Clayton, Wisconsin, on Magnor Lake. My studio overlooks the lake which provides inspiration for numerous water-loving animal pieces. I work in Wisconsin from May to October, then spend the winter months in Mesa Arizona where I share a club studio with like-minded artists.