Since first discovering polymer clay nearly three decades ago, my artistic practice has been guided by curiosity, experimentation, and continual growth. What began as an exploration of a relatively new and unconventional medium has evolved into a lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining artistic possibilities.
Polymer clay—still a young material within the landscape of contemporary art—has served as a powerful vehicle for invention. Early in my career, I focused on creating handmade polymer clay tiles, exploring mosaic and assemblage techniques that combined the tactile qualities of clay with materials rich in history, symbolism, and meaning. These mixed-media mosaics became the foundation of my practice and the work for which I was initially best known, culminating in the 2007 publication of my book, Mixed Media Mosaics. Over time, this process matured into a highly personal visual language—one that weaves ornament, texture, and narrative fragments into cohesive, story-driven compositions. In this early body of work, inspired by Medieval, Renaissance and Mexican folk art, the gilded devotional panels of the past became secular icons imbued with personal narratives. Sumptuously embellished surfaces, often incorporating text, merged traditional and contemporary materials. Like a modern-day alchemist tinkering with the art of the ancients, I found magic in combining these disparate elements.
During the Covid pandemic, my work evolved in a more introspective and expressive direction. A desire for deeper self-exploration led to a body of work examining the female psyche, aging, politics, and dreams, often with a surrealist sensibility. These explorations reconnected me with my longstanding love of painting and collage, expanding my practice to include large-scale figurative polymer clay works combined with layered, original collage elements. I have also begun integrating AI-assisted imagery—often inspired by Renaissance aesthetics—into my process. This fusion reflects both continuity with my earlier explorations and an ongoing commitment to innovation. By uniting materials and imagery that reference different historical periods, traditions, and cultural influences, I aim to create works that feel simultaneously timeless and contemporary.
By dedicating my practice to a medium often overlooked within the fine art world, I have intentionally embraced a less conventional path—one that challenges expectations and invites discovery. Through this work, I seek to contribute to the evolving dialogue surrounding polymer clay, highlighting its versatility and expressive potential while forging an artistic direction that is distinctly my own.
My work has been featured in numerous publications, including 400 Polymer Clay Designs, Beyond Paper Dolls, Taking Flight, Mosaic Art and Style, and Polymer Clay Color Inspirations. I have also appeared on HGTV’s That’s Clever, DIY Network’s Craft Lab, and PBS’s Make It Artsy. My work has been exhibited in galleries and group shows nationwide, including the Oceanside Museum of Art, and I am currently represented by Pop Gallery in Denver.
Visit my Etsy shop to view my smaller artworks, jewelry, stencils, and collage sheets.
