I'm a second generation Native Atlantan. I programmed my way through college and received a degree in English from Georgia State University with a minor in Art Studio, specifically pottery and weaving. I drifted away from clay and found myself pursuing various needlearts as I travelled around a lot with my computer programming. After I had children I re-discovered clay at one of their schools and began taking lessons again. It only took a few months for me to remember how much I loved working in clay and I was finally at a point where I had the funds and the space to set up my own studio. I love making functional pottery along traditional lines - beautiful mixing bowls, plates, mugs, vases, all objects designed for daily use so that they can be constantly appreciated. I began to experiment with hand-coloring porcelain clay and was combining hand building with wheel throwing with a variety of techniques. Along the way, I ran into some family issues that caused me to drop all of my artwork for a few years. When I got my issues resolved, I couldn't get back into the clay right away so I looked around to see what other artistic endeavors I had materials for and found that I had quite a bit of jewelry making supplies, and a large collection of gemstone cabachons that I had intended to wire wrap for myself. I began working with the jewelry and found that satisfied my need to create for the time being. I also did some work with slumped and fused glass since I have my kiln (what else can we melt?). I still enjoy working with glass and will continue to make jewelry pendants. Clay is starting to call me again, though... all those years when I turned a deaf ear to it, I knew I wanted to get my hands in the mud. I still feel it calling me, and hope to start working with it again soon. I have the urge to merge my skills with those of others to create new and different versions of my old favorites. Stay tuned for more new Arte in the near future!