THE ARTIST

I’ve had my hands in clay on and off for decades.   My studio has been in a basement, barn, mudroom, garage, and now in a pole barn.  Wherever it is...what I cherish, is that it is MY ROOM.  I get to step in, close the door, push play on an audio book and do something I love.  The things made there are wonderful, but over the years I've come to appreciate the process even more.  It's like God (Jesus) is showing me how difficult and glorious it is to make something out of nothing, and that the artist  has full control. (Google Jeremiah 18 for more) In my younger years this was not as obvious, but God knew that I would not only love this place, but NEED it.  Speaking of the earlier years...marrying the love of my life and raising three amazing children took precedence over a career, and so began my life caring for others.  This was and still is a joy, and my older wiser self admires that I carved out that creative nook where I would sneak away and play with clay.  Now, my time in the studio varies with the seasons.  Winter here in Northern Michigan can test the mental wits of even the deepest rooted native.  So, come January, I hide away in my creative space and begin a wholesale order for summer. When spring arrives, the fresh air, yard and pond inevitably lure me out into the open. Presently, I am looking forward to retirement, planning weddings, caring for my aging mom, awaiting grand-babies, and traveling when possible. Oh, and cooking.  Second to clay.   I pray that the studio remains and that clay never becomes a chore, but continues to nurture, inspire and challenge me to walk closer with God, myself, and others.  If the things I make inspire you to do the same, I will have considered my art, and myself, to have accomplished what it was designed to do.