I grew up in the Industrial Ceramic Industry in California. My father developed clay slip and porcelain formulas for industrial use. Corning fell in love with his formula, as did doll-makers. I learned to make glazes from glass and various mediums and took classes at Corning, where I was not only the only young person, I was also the only woman.

 

I combine torch work, glass powder, glass pieces, and glass paint to create multiple-layer pieces. I still do some bead work, but lately, I have been making more elements to embed in glass. I have a vitrigraph kiln and create much of my own cane. I am a Vitrigraph specialist and teach the design of cane and pulling techniques around the world. I created my own specialty tools to facilitate pulling, cutting, and designing

 

For my fused work, I use several layered techniques, and I am always surprised when the kill opens. Working with glass is fun and challenging and allows me to harness my abundance of energy creatively. I have just built a teaching studio and teach classes in Vitrigraph design, kiln carving, and many other techniques. I am active in the Pacific Northwest Glass Guild and in the Narcissus Community of Practice.