converted bedroom) which I’ve titled Yo Be nice studio and create both decorative ceramics on the pottery wheel as well as hand build sculpture and wall art. I studied Commercial Art at Utah State University where the curriculum “required” a diverse set of art classes (drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc) and I loved every one of them. My favorite was my 3D sculpture class – I think it’s the tactile experience of using my hands to form something from nothing that I find so rewarding. After college I went the route of graphic design and joined the corporate world where I’ve spent the greater part of the my life, but I’ve always made and needed the time to stretch my creative energies into other artistic outlets. There aren’t many mediums that I haven’t tried. Glass blowing is still on my list of things to learn (she grins). I took up ceramics in 2020 when the pandemic hit and I haven’t stopped. What’s the story behind your studio name? The seed for ‘Yo! Be nice.’ was planted a few years back when I wanted my own reminder to stay calm during stressful times… basically to not lose my cool when bad-mannered people rubbed me the wrong way. I made a ‘Yo! Be nice.’ bracelet to keep my red-headed emotions in check. But when others noticed, I thought, “Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we were ALL a bit nicer?”
After I designed my logo, it grew into a textiles business. Insert learning the craft of silk screening. I converted my bathroom into a darkroom and made my own screens, then set up shop in an unfinished room in my basement. My career got in the way of that little dream. I went to a few fairs and got very positive results but I needed to follow the job that paid the bills. Now I'm picking my dream back up and just adding to it with my art. Anyway, this is a message that I wish we all could better remember. Myself included. It seems that every living thing is suffering in one way or another right now. What has been a seminal experience?
2023. I was laid off from my job in February of 2023 then diagnosed with breast cancer three weeks later. It was (and still is to a degree) a crazy wild ride, and my perspective on life and what matters most has changed. I’ve also realized that my time on this earth is not under my control and I am not the invincible person I thought I was. It’s been a truly humbling experience that has taught me so much about myself and opened my eyes a little more to humanity. That being said, I am hoping to focus on my art, my health, and hope to make the world a little nicer through my creations and message. Why ceramics over all the other mediums you’ve worked with? Ceramics captivates me like no other. The process of blending earth, water, and fire to craft timeless beauty makes me happy. It's a path marked by serene creativity and occasional hurdles. Despite setbacks like pieces cracking, breaking, or colors not turning out as planned, ceramics instills patience and a sense of acceptance. Something that I had to learn while fighting cancer. The clay was and is my therapist. Ceramics continues to fulfill me, offering lessons in accepting the perfectly imperfect. Professionally, what’s your goal? My goal is to be able to sustain myself financially and maintain the freedom to arrange my own schedule and prioritize my health, while still enjoying the process of making and selling my work. I could care less about artistic fame and riches. I just want to make a living doing what I love, that will hopefully bring others joy, be healthy, and spread a positive message along the way.
