“A
huge influence on my art and my life comes from
the geography of place, the place being South
Carolina. By that I mean, the beaches, inland
waterways, the drama of the horizon line that
separates the sky from the ocean, shells picked
up on beaches, the constant drama of changing
colors, temperatures and seasons and time spent
gardening with my grandparents in Florence. Even
the red clay soil and the long needled pine trees
indigenous to the low county have imprinted my
heart and soul and my work. I will have to add
that the slower way of life, the unique personalities
and color of southern people and their varied
cultures, have also impacted my life in a deep
and special way. Even the salt air of the coast,
the summer heat and vegetation of the south, the
heavy scent of the magnolias in July, live on
in my conscious memory and in my dreams. Though
I consider myself to be somewhat of a world traveler,
I always feel that I am coming home when I return
to South Carolina.” Now my
work is influenced by my Greenville, SC neighborhood
environment as much as anything…. The
grand magnolia trees are just one example of
a neighborhood subject I use often in my work.
I collect all parts of this magnificent tree
from the leaves to the flowers, petals, pods,
the branches, the protective petals around the
flower buds, etc. My own garden also offers
constant inspiration for my work. Fabulous forms
reveal themselves every season. The first hostas
begin to push through dark soil as an early
reminder of spring. This is followed by a full
array of buds, flowers, leaves, branches and
pods. My neighborhood and garden never disappoint
me when it comes to the inspiration they constantly
offer.”
Complete
written interview
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