I was born in Ohio to two overly supportive parents who put me in movement classes when I was two. My earliest memories involve riding my Mickey Mouse three-wheeler on a plush turquoise carpet and playing in my rainbow-covered bedroom. While I grew up the only child in the house, my dad had another daughter, Marci, who was born with cerebral palsy. We would take regular visits to her group home, once or twice a week. I grew up playing with 50 other physically disabled children and adults in an open, accepting, and nurturing environment.

My more recent years of growing up “artistically” have been primarily influenced by life-changing events. A chain of deaths of those close to me has become a catalyst to make artwork. As a reaction and realization to such events, I began to travel. My travels include central and Eastern Europe, and longer periods of time in Italy, China, Tibet, and Turkey. These life experiences coupled with my studio practice has broadened my perspective and led me in the direction of my current sculptures and installations.

I cannot remember the first time I wanted to make stuff out of clay; I just knew I needed to do it. Years later, I stand with a BFA in 3-D Studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and MFA in Studio Art from The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Currently, I live and make art in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The former Canada Dry bottling warehouse is home to my current studio and I love visitors. I hope to continue making site-specific installations, and look forward to opportunities to work in restaurant design and interior design as well.