My work is a direct reflection of the people, places, events, and nature around me. It is a reminder that, even though I am participating in a tradition that has been performed for thousands of years, time is fleeting. It encourages me to take a moment to extract the essence of my surroundings and give them new color, shape, and form. Ideas dwell inside me, pestering the creative aspects of my mind until they are free to speak through my art. I’ve learned that retaining an idea only results in a blocked mind and creates a sense of immobility; so, for me, making art is a form of release and freedom. I make art by allowing inspiration to constantly come to me by keeping my eyes and mind open and always, always asking questions. I have been attempting to depict the subconscious through clay and am fascinated by the challenge of this endeavor.