My Story

I was raised in the forests of Northwest Arkansas and spent most of my days outside chasing reptiles and bird watching. I attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and earned my degree in Zoology. Now, with 16 years of experience as a professional wildlife biologist, I spend my extra time traveling to see amazing places and photograph wildlife. I’m owned by Cairo, a bossy African grey parrot that I have had for 18 years, Mena, a sweet terrier mix who can also be quite bossy, and Charlie a short-haired grey tuxedo cat, who, you guessed it, is bossy.

I first learned about wheel-thrown pottery when Seth Cardew was kind enough to do a pottery workshop for the people of the church I grew up in. I was too young for that workshop but he still helped me throw a small chunky pot on a kick wheel. I had an amazing art teacher throughout my middle and high school years. Betty Boutin was a very talented artist who taught us everything from hand-building with clay to watercolors. Yes, she taught all the art classes for both my middle and high school, Gravette was quite small then, and I graduated in a class of only 88 students. Finally, in college and throughout my adult life I have continued pursuing my love of art by attending many photography, drawing, and pottery classes. I now teach at a local pottery studio and am passionate about continuing to teach others about art and pottery.

I am very much drawn to nature and the more messy arts. Preferring to go for hikes with Mena, dig in my garden, or make pottery.