What got you into making art?

Art has always been there and part of my life ever since I can remember. My work has evolved and taken many different forms and paths through my journey 
and I guarantee it will continue to change as there are always new ideas that influence and hidden places to explore. It’s impossible for me to stay in the same
place and create the same thing over and over again. 
I started with pencil drawing then painting and using papier mâché  to cover hand blown eggs and glass vases creating elaborate ornaments. Then I discovered polymer clay 
and the hand blown eggs morphed into actual fantasy characters and the vases transformed into medieval goblets, although I do still make vases their style has changed immensely. 
Polymer clay was a whole new world that opened up for me and really changed everything!! My work continues to morph into new creations which I am thankful for as it keeps me 
inspired and fills me with joy as I sculpt each art piece. 
 

What inspires you?

Music is has a huge impact on my work. I sometimes listen to Cirque du Soleil music, for example, while I’m creating bright colourful characters 
and the music from Midsummer Night’s Dream when I’m creating characters that might live among the roots in the forest. I love movie soundtracks,
they inspire me and help me put ideas together while working on a piece. They can even take me a different direction on the character I'm working on..
Colour and colour combinations are a real turn on if my mojo decides to go on holiday. Nature inspires me with roots, shells, stones and mosses and 
the rich earthy colours and textures. 
 

Favourite smells?

Gardenias and petrichor are heaven!! 

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee for sure and specialty coffees are wonderful. 

 

Do I have a favourite piece of my own?

Yes, I have a couple of characters in my cabinet that I'm not ready to release into the world just yet.  
I also have a goblet I made that is very special to me as I have photos of some of my favourite well known artists holding it.

Best advice received?

When I was starting to do shows another artist told me to reverse my table design so more people could come into my booth. 
It made a big difference in my show the very next day. I'll always remember her for that. 
Someone else told me to watch that my display (although she loved it) didn't take over from my work or distract from my creations. 

Favourite colour?

Turquoise, purple and black. In warm colours burnt sienna, raw umber and yellow ochre.

What is the connective force behind art?

Art creates emotion. You have emotion as you are creating it and people have their emotions when viewing it. 
Sometimes we see the same thing and sometimes we see it differently from each other.
It doesn't matter as the connection is about bonding ~ seeing and learning from each other and we are fulfilled with what we take away from viewing a unique art piece.

Your chosen superpower?

Time travel for many reasons, not just within my own lifetime. 

Most challenging piece you've ever made?

A commission I had from someone who wanted a chalice made with very specific details using her mothers jewelry who had just passed away.
I worked with her on paint colours, clay colours and where the gems should go. I was quite happy with how it turned out and she never came to pick it up.... 
or the extra jewelry and gems left over. 

Favourite swear word?

You'll know it when you hear it.. Hint it's three words.

Do you need an atmosphere to create?

Absolutely yes! When my studio door is closed, no one comes in and I don't answer the phone. I turn on my music and off I go into my own world. 
I find really annoying when I'm in my zone and my creative flow is happening... and the phone rings and breaks that mood. It's really hard to get back there.

Favorite desert ?
Crème Brûlée and Cherry Cheesecake