My Background...

About Who I am...

I grew up on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes, went to school in the 50's and 60's in Penn Yan, N.Y. The Cold War was raging and we were pushed to study  math and science in preparation for our future roles as the scientists and mathematicians to suit the needs of technology.

I wanted to be an artist and there was a conflict!! - I lost, but! - Finally went to college, and there I got my own way.

I graduated from Alfred University in 1971. I ranked #1 in the School of Ceramics, graduated cum laude, and was inducted into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi.

I had wanted to paint for most of my life, and since I couldn't pursue an M.F.A in Painting at Alfred, I went to the Rochester Institute of Technology and earned my M.F.A there in 1974.

I tried teaching for a couple of years, then decided to continue making art by making pottery and painting on the pots, thus combining the two disciplines.

While at Alfred I studied with Dan Rhodes, Val Cushing, and Bob Turner. While at R.I.T. I worked with Fred Meyer, Hobart Cowles, and Robert Schmitz.

After earning my degrees, the strongest support for me and my profession came from Phil and Rocky Secrest. They placed my work into their shop in Cape Cod, and eased my way into the marketplace. Coupled with this was their willingness to teach me an awful lot about being a professional, and being a potter.

I've tried living in cities, and have traveled to many places in this country, but my heart has always belonged to the Finger Lakes. I built a new house, studio, and kiln not far from where I grew up. I travel to Vermont now every chance I get, and am finding that my heart is slowly beginning to belong there as well . . .