As a small girl in New England I was fortunate enough to be part of a family that not only approved but encouraged my creative explorations and development.  Wandering through my great-grand mothers studio, and enjoying the marvelous smells of plastilina and the shapes they took, I knew this was a future I wanted.  She worked with an assortment of materials, but watching her with clay was mesmerizing.  There were many such influences in my life that helped guide me towards a life in art; my Mother and her creative mind, my father and his guidance in practicality, teachers, cinema, galleries, museums and life in general.  Too many things to list, but I truly wanted to be part of that world- the world of creativity.  I didn't know if I could, but I knew I wanted it- so I experimented, with everything.

I was encouraged to take the traditional courses in school, and out.  As a secondary school aged girl I was enrolled in several different types of painting courses with private instructors...but  it never really sunk in, I just wasn't in love with painting.  While I was in high school I was encouraged to take a  cartooning class at Cranbrook Academy of Art, in my parents and teachers attempts to halt my constant aimless doodling on everything I could get my hands on (hehe).  I took nearly every art course my high school had to offer, jewelry, drawing, graphic design, computer graphics, etc.  And even as I entered college (then called Ringling School of Art & Design) I lacked emphasis in any particular area.  I graduated with a BFA in sculpture but not before taking every other class I could.

You see, I loved it all, and didn't understand that it wasn't a 'must' that I pick one.  I wanted to try it all, and for the most part I did.  I studied printmaking, computer aided design, graphic design, illustration, sculpture, ceramics, oil painting... what ever I could.... it was like a buffet!  I have come to realize that I don't have to stop and pick one thing, and I haven't yet.  So if you look at my body of work and happen to notice that styles change, along with materials, themes and whatever else you can think of... be patient dear- I'm just getting started *wink*

Upon graduation Both my husband and I became design associates for the Franklin Mint, in Media, Pennsylvania. we first spent a year learning about the product design industry, from three different departments;  the design studio, sculpture studio, and Design Management.  After a year of sampling the different departments we were given our choices of creative paths.  My husband really enjoyed the  management aspect, and  I chose to stay on in the sculpture studio. I was amazed that I could make a living having so much fun!  I stayed for over 5 years, made some incredible friends and learned a great deal from some incredible artists.  But I was antsy, so I quit my in house job and went freelance.

 For a while  freelance was much more demanding than my in house job had been, I was working more hours when I had been hoping for less.  But with freelancing it is either feast or famine, so I wasn't complaining!  Over the past several years I have been fortunate enough to have landed projects and contracts with several collectables companies (Franklin, Danbury and Bradford) and have done some private commissions, and I have no regrets ... I've loved and learned from it all.  And although my workload is  primarily sculpture I'm still out there trying new materials and enjoying exploring art dolls and OOAK when ever I can!  Each piece and product demand different materials.  I have my favorites, but I'm always looking!  Materials I am familiar with:  Plastilina, Lost wax, jewelers wax, figure wax, polymer clay, porcelain, epoxy, urethane,  foam, steel&welding, soldering, wood, and some fabric work. Contact me for resume with specifics.

So ... What does it all mean??

Well, not a whole awful lot...  I guess what it all boils down to is I love this job!  I love sculpture, I love art, and I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China.  But, who am I really?  I'm a wife and a mom, have a wide assortment of critters (reptiles, Min Pin, child, cat) and we all live in an itty bitty cottage in the Chicago suburbs.  I sleep very little.  Lets see ... what other stuff ...  Honestly?     I've been told I'm outgoing, chipper, a cheerleader,   and friendly.  Also sometimes  sarcastic, bitter, jaded,  so yeah, basically human ... a regular run of the mill chick.  I have yet to actually smash a sculpt.  I smoke like a chimney, but can't stand the smell, drink caffeine by the pot.  And no, your dirty joke won't offend me, actually, I have a very warped sense of humor- but don't send me farm animal porn.   I usually enjoy meeting other artists,  usually. If your moody or depressed I am utterly useless to you.  I dig seeing what everyone is up to, networking and  inspiring work.   I probably work too much but I am having so much fun so it isn't a burden by any stretch.  I hope my excitement is becoming evident in my new works,   my "faeweez," "Spoon Dolls TM " & Art Dolls.  I LOVE making these dolls, if I could it  would be all I do!  I devour  books on tape while I work, Anne Rice, J K Rowling, Stephen King & Dean Koontz... (not necessarily in that order) among about 1,000 others and am sadly missing Frank Muller quite badly. (What a voice!) Love books!  Art books, children's books, reference books... I eat 'em up! But most importantly,  I love that your interested enough to find out!  Thanks so much for reading! 

-Jill