Other than a class I took with Jack Johnston of Johnston's Original Art Dolls and a sculpting class with Cantey Gannaway, I have no formal art training, so I consider my talents are truly a gift from God. Although I have only been sculpting since 1999, I know it is a calling I will pursue the rest of my life. I saw an article in a Better Homes and Gardens edition of the "Santa Claus" magazine and have been hooked ever since. The biggest thrill I get from my sculpting is to take a ball of clay and watch it suddenly transform into a "small person" with a personality and characteristics all its own. All of "my guys" are one-of-a-kind original sculptures. I don't even know who they will turn out to be until they peer back at me, and I say to myself "Oh, there you are!" Once this happens, I study them to decide how to pose and dress each one. It truly is a labor of love. I can spend many hours on each doll determining how to dress and accessorize it.
It was very difficult to part with the first dolls I sold, but I do get Christmas cards from this still today. It brings me great joy to realize that I bring a part of Christmas into other homes.
My grandmother always told me find what it is that truly brings me joy and only then will I always love what I do. I am so fortunate to be doing just that.
