Each piece starts with a discarded item (a chipped salt shaker, a vase with a crack…) that I use as a foundation.
I build an armature with foil and tape then begin adding clay. The individual features are all hand-sculpted, making each piece unique.
I value the authenticity of imperfection, and so am careful to include small bulges and asymmetric bits into each of my sculptures.
Each piece is painted with many layers of gesso and acrylic paint until they emerge as little beings with their own stories and personalities.
The last step in the process for me is to recognize when they are whole and ready to go out in the world - this is when I give them their names.
My hope is that my sculptures are relatable and that they spark appreciation for the beauty and worth in discarded, imperfect, layered others.
