When I was young I loved everything that had to do with art--drawing, painting, cut and paste. I even made shapes and creatures from the clay and mud in my backyard. I was lucky because in those days art was taught in the schools. I remember one beloved art teacher who dreamed of being a bull fighter.

After high school I attended the University of California at Santa Barbara. I worked toward my teaching credential and took art and literature classes when I had time. I took one pottery class. I wasn't very good at it, but the seed was planted. After that I always knew that someday I would work with clay.

When my children were toddlers I began taking clay classes again. Before long I realized that if I wanted to be any good I would have to get some equipment and work on my own. I bought a kick wheel and an electric kiln and set up shop in a storage closet. Since then I have never looked back. I've acquired lots of tools, equipment, knowledge, skill and a wonderful little studio.

I have taken pottery classes at UCSB, Rancho Santiago College, Idylwild, Gualala, Todos Santos (Baja California), Mendicino and many workshops. I have learned a lot from the many pottery magazines and books I've read, through the years.

I have exhibited sculptures at festivals, galleries and museums in the high desert and in central and southern California. I have taught classes to children and adults throughout the Antelope Valley on both a volunteer and professional basis and have written articles for Ceramics Monthly, Clay Times and the American Ceramic Society Newsletter.

Some ceramic artists that I admire are Cheryl Tall and Viola Frey. Both of these artists make their sculptures in sections for easier handling, as I often do. Janis Mars Wunderlich has a whacky sense of humor. Kristy Greco taught me to make maquettes. And I named my cat after Rudio Autio. I think my work has been influenced a lot by my travels in Mexico and South America, where they have a free, open approach to creativity.