People Crave Expression My Work Is My Communication

I was born, as a “LaFord” in Portland, Oregon to a French-German father and a Danish mother and had a great childhood in the midst of a driven and emotionally charged family - the youngest of three.

From earliest accounts I gravitated to and excelled in artistic endeavors. It was my sophomore year in high school I discovered sculpting was a natural fit and enjoyed amusing classmates with bizarre forms. Being a bit of a rebel and eager for independence I graduated my junior year, began working, moved into my own apartment and a few years later bought my first house. Then at 23, marriage, children, and many interests consumed my time, however I always kept my hands involved in sculpting and cherished that fire that burned within. As family demands decreased I began to move into my artist calling and my journey began in earnest in 1998 with the completion of my second bronze.

I have invested a lifetime of study that I bring to each sculpture. Insight that began as a youth with sketchbook in hand and through the years taking classes, teaching classes, studying books, and most importantly...through application. I gained knowledge and growth by doing, working and persevering.

For me “working my art” has been and continues to be a journey to find balance in work that demands a very intimate part of my soul.

My focus, strength and gift resides in capturing the uniqueness of the “individual” drawing out that intangible essence of personality and warmth of spirit. I see this as a need in society today where people often feel nameless, faceless and unnoticed. This ties into my belief system that everyone was created with purpose in life and something they can uniquely contribute.

I find mystery enticing and am learning to “let go” listen and trust my instincts. Feeling a relentless, tugging and attraction in a direction and going with it without really knowing “why” opens doors and keeps life interesting. My Asian sculpture series came about just this way.

I open my arms to the future with it’s unpredictability and the challenges it will bring. I am thankful for the incredible support and encouragement from family, friends and lovers of art!