In 2012, I met a beautiful woman who is a master clay sculptor. Her method of sculpting clay intrigued me so much that I had to try it. She has been my mentor ever since. The sculpture is created hollow. So starting from the bottom of the piece, it is worked up from the outside and honeycombed inside to create strength to carry the piece. It takes a lot of imagination to "see" in your mind's eye how it is supposed to be at completion. It's a challenge that I absolutely love! Once the piece is dry and fired in the kiln, it is painted using my mentor's technique. This technique of building the sculpture and painting was taught to her 60 some odd years ago.  To paint the piece, I use as many washes of turpentine and oil paint as necessary to create the look that I want. Once it's dry, I use a mixture of beeswax and turpentine to create a finish. Once this is dry it is buffed with a brush to the desired sheen. Thank you so much AM! 

"With Love" Clay, unfinished

"With Love" is a very tragic story of a young man who was very much loved by many people. He died tragically and when I was told his story, this is what I was compelled to create. It was created with much love and respect.

Detail of "With Love".  It is about 9" high.   

"Waiting for Husband, Father and Master" Clay. 10" high Unfinished

"Waiting for Husband, Father and Master" shows a young family waiting for their loved one to come back from sea. It is something I imagined that took place quite often in the period of time when the community of Maitland, Nova Scotia was in it's heyday of ship building and sailing. The looks of longing and hope hide the fear that perhaps he won't be coming home.




These clay pieces are unfinished in the sense that the colour and patina are not complete. This is a process that will be done when the work can be done outdoors.  The finished pieces will be put up on this site as it is complete.