I’ve been fascinated by ceramics since childhood. I took my first ceramics class in Washington, D.C. at the Corcoran College of Art in 1989. Later I studied for many years at the wonderful ceramics studio of the College of William and Mary under the tutelage of Marlene Jack. My passion for ceramics developed first as a hobby while I taught Russian language (at Colby College in Maine and at William and Mary in Virginia) and spent my volunteer energy on classical music opportunities for young people. When I moved from Virginia to New York in 2009, I decided to pursue pottery full-time. My influences range from Chinese prehistoric pots to European 19th-century porcelain to mid-20th century ceramic design and the work of contemporary American ceramic artists. I am inspired by frequent museum visits and the wonders of nature. I am particularly grateful to have a summer studio at a beautiful spot on Newbury Neck in Surry, Maine.