Florence the Potter
Always intrigued by the possibilities of clay, I began studying to "throw on the wheel" at the Ocean County, N.J., Park System's studio, the "Barn", in 1987. Never being able to set the pursuit aside, three years later, I set up my own studio in my home where I created functional pottery, high firing stoneware..
Then, the Fish Lady
In 1991 at a Raku workshop in Massachusetts, on a whim, I made my first fish. Reaction to this primitive creation was so positive that I eventually made more in my own studio. The following year I was approached by the curator of the Hunterdon Art Society in Clinton, N.J. to produce a collection of fly fish for their forthcoming Compleat Angler exhibit. This began my career of creating very lifelike fish. I sculpt these in clay, make most of the glazes I use, and fire as I would functional ware.
The Clay Aquarium
My showroom, which I call my Clay Aquarium, usually exhibits 50 to 100 fish of assorted species and many plates, platters and bowls with sea life themes. Most of these are for sale. I have yet to attempt a fish or sea creature that I have not been able to complete -- thereby my claim -- ANY FISH MADE TO ORDER (at any rate, I will try!). Prices begin at $40 for my smallest fish, about five inches. Feel free to e-mail me for more information.
The Shows
My first solo exhibit was many years ago at the Ocean County Artists' Guild, followed by several through the years with watercolorist Beverly Golembeski at the Shrewsbury Guild of Creative Art where my sculptures duplicated the fish in her inspired paintings. We collaborated on our Shore is Fishy! exhibit at the Ocean County Guild in the Fall of 2000, which also included Art Quilts by Joanie San Chirico. We later teamed up for the Sea Shore and More exhibit at Georgian Court University.
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