“I have directed my consuming interest in the native peoples of the Americas into my own personal art expression. I derive immense satisfaction from putting life into the materials I work with. My art is an extension of my spirit, a piece of my personal vision and a constant source of comfort and healing for me.”

This particular clay mask, Northwest Coast, is inspired by the wood carved masks by northwestern coastal native cultures. It is kiln fired clay, painted and mounted on a painted wood panel adorned with turquoise and feathers. 

I am an indigenous artist who is of mixed blood. I was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Southern California but for most of my adult years my home has been in beautiful Santa Cruz County on the north central coast of California in the small town of Aptos.

My Southwestern beginning would eventually influence my artistic expression.  I credit much of my natural talent to my parents who both were very creative people. I’ve traveled extensively in the Southwestern and Northwestern states to learn more about the native cultures of which I’m very fond. My own indigenous bloodline, natural talent, research, and travel experiences have brought about my specific style of artwork.

Originally an art major in college, I didn’t resume my art career until early 1993, shortly after the death of my brother. An acquaintance I met while on a powwow committee suggested taking a drum class as therapy. I experienced a centering working the wet rawhide of the drum and realized I had forgotten how good it felt to create with my hands. Soon I began creating with clay. Motivated by grief and reflecting on my own life, I found working with clay to be a very healing and satisfying experience. 

Encouraged and supported by family and friends, I began marketing and exhibiting my art and experimenting in different mediums. 

Over the years I have received awards for my art and this exhibit piece, Northwest Coast, won People’s Choice 2nd Place at the Cabrillo Gallery in Aptos in 2022. My work has been represented in galleries in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, Illinois, Montana, Michigan, Arizona, New York, Colorado and Oregon. 

My clay/mixed works have been exhibited in countless venues including international and national juried shows. I’m proud to say I have 9 solo museum exhibits to my credit. My clay/mixed media masks are in private collections in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Since 1993 my art has been in featured numerous daily and weekly newspapers and in the international magazines of Cowboys & Indians, Native Peoples and Wild West Magazine.