ABOUT THE ARTIST

As an artist and educator living in Ferndale, Washington I teach publicly, privately and manage Yates Fine Arts. My passion to create is reflected in my favorite two mediums, clay and metal.

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The creative process doesn’t just begin in the studio, but is inspired by my interests and events that I find time to enjoy from foraging in the forest, cooking in the kitchen, to paddling on the water. The state of euphoria I enjoy when exploring in the woods or on the water I also experience in the studio when creating fine art. Shapes, patterns, colors, textures, and repetition I see in these environments stimulate creativity and design reflected in my work.  I enjoy the creative process of forming both mediums clay and metal because they each become fluid with fire yet rigid and strong once complete. All showing a microscopic surface with varied effects very similar to what you will find in our natural environment under a lens.

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My work is to create a functional everyday piece of fine art whether it is dinnerware stacked sculpturally or a piece of jewelry that stands alone as a unique form yet when worn works harmoniously with the human body. Both my metal and ceramic art reflects what I find aesthetically pleasing and interesting from our environment.  Much of my work reflects the microscopic world from mushrooms to lichens etc.  I am especially interested in the microbiome and how we coexist with our environment. 

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One is able to view my work in my studio, galleries around the country, publishings such as; 500 Bowls , The Best of 500 Ceramics or the University of Wisconsin-Stout where I completed my Artist in Residence, BFA in Studio Arts and BS in Art Education.