How long have you been creating?

I have always been a creative person but never considered myself an "artist." I was under the impression that in order to be a real artist, one had to be able to draw or paint well. I can do neither and haven't ever had the interest or patience to do so. My husband, who is indeed, a fabulous artist and an incredibly talented illustrator was the first one who ever called me an "artist"... I still have issues with that term and feel uncomfortable with it. I do believe my pieces are "art" but in regard to myself being called an "artist" ... it is still awkward for me. I've never been one to be shy or lack self-confidence- it is just weird for me as I've never seen myself in that light before.

What is your media of choice?

I love using vintage China and incorporating found objects in my pieces. I also use stained glass scraps to bring out the colors in the China patterns. I adore the old cabbage roses. Haunting estate sales and "Junque" stores is a long time passion. My functional art pieces are my very favorites. I love finding old items and bringing them to life again. Right now I have a 1940's metal hamper with white chippy paint patina and old rose decals calling my name, I will mosaic the top and perhaps a design on the sides with vintage China to match the decals. I also have a primitive picnic basket that has the perfect top to mosaic in old rose China.... I think it would be splendid to keep in a kitchen with cloth napkins or towels ... and a few of those June Cleaver aprons tucked in.

The old silver plated tea pots and trays are fun to do as well. They are great functional pieces that are also fabulous to display and make wonderful conversation starters. Lately I have had a lot of interest in my pieces for nurseries or girls rooms. They are also popular for Romantic or Cottage decor.

On the other hand, I am proud to say I dumpster-dived for a guitar at a flea market this summer. The strings and such were gone- but I though, how very cool... forget the fufu rose china, I need me some old Elvis plates!

What are your motivations for creating?

I needed an outlet, something for myself, that is why I started.

Also, as a mother, I try to encourage creativity in my girls and instill an appreciation for art. They are all very artistic and creative in their own ways. My husband always has had a pen and paper in hand and they have picked up on this and his love for art ... it came very naturally to them. I found myself as the odd person out and wanted to be a good example. I found I loved it and haven't stopped creating since!

I am constantly on the look-out for things to create. My motivation comes when I least expect it, I see something that strikes my fancy and I have to have it- my juices get flowing and I can't wait to get it home to play with it! This is when I do my best work. It can be a rusty watering can on the side of the road or the lid of an old porcelain tea pot. It is when I TRY to find something to mosaic that I have artist block.

What other artists or movements inform your work?

I enjoy studying other mosaic artists work and frequently surf to see what is out there. But not many specialize in vintage china as I do.

I particularly like the larger whimsical outdoorsy pieces and figurines that are popping up as public art, I would love to be able to do that someday.

SAMA (Society of American Mosaic Artists) is a great organization and I find the web site to be very informative. As far as any great contemporary Mosaic Artist Guru's... none come to mind although there are many talented people out there that I admire. It seems to be getting more popular all the time... funny how one of the oldest forms of art is making a great comeback as the new wave of folk art... ya gotta love it.

What do you find visually stimulating right now?

Color. It is so important in art and in my opinion makes or breaks a piece -- no matter what the style, subject, or media. In my best work I find it comes to me quickly and naturally but there is also a definite science to it-and with not having a formal "schooled" background in art I find myself struggling. I "know" when I have "it" but don't know "why" or "how."

I also find textures visually stimulating. I like using sanded grout- even in my more delicate looking pieces. Using found objects in my work adds great depth and character.

I love gardening and admiring others gardens. Texture is what is all about. Forget the flowers, they are pretty in their moment but the textures of the foliage is what it is all about.

What's the last book you read?

With three girls keeping me hopping, the oldest 14 and the youngest 3, I have no time for novels, I get enough intellectual stimulation, thank you kindly :-). As of lately I have been doing lots of home decorating & landscaping books. The last being "The Complete Book of Garden Design, Construction and Planting." We recently bought 5 1/2 acres of bare land in Idaho and are building a house- doing much of the work ourselves. Talk about a blank canvas!

Tell us a little about your philosophy on working with recycled and found objects.

Hopefully, this is pretty self evident as it is the backbone of my art. My mosaics are all about recycling vintage China and found objects, bringing new life to old things. Taking someone's garbage and reviving it into someone else's treasure. As I have said, functional art is supreme to me- it is one thing having a nice painting or piece of artwork on canvas but another being actually able to USE the piece. I love to do things such as finding an old wooden step ladder, mosaicking it with gorgeous China and using it as a shelf for other collectibles. Or finding an old towel rack to mosaic and using it in the kitchen.

What would you like your fellow EBSQ artists and our collectors to know about you and/or your work?

I have found EBSQ to be a wonderful outlet. I get email all the time from other artists or people "just passing thru", it is so uplifting and inspiring to hear that others appreciate your work. It is a great venue to grow and thrive as an artist and provides me with motivation as well as validation. It's great to be able to talk thru idea's and sources with other active artists. Oh and BTW, if anyone has any old Elvis plates, email me!