My first memorable contact with metal was in my grandfather's shop as a child. He used sheet metal and I was fond of playing with the scraps. Later in life while living on a farm, I taught myself how to weld and was fond of putting together found pieces of metal. After graduating from art school, I designed commemorative monuments for a company and traveled to Europe with the Monument Builders of North America to study commemorative works ranging from Paris' Pere Lachaise to the pyramids at Giza.

I met a blacksmith who taught me how to forge steel and use traditional techniques of heating, hammering, joining and working iron. Since then I have studied under other iron craftspeople at Campbell Folk School. I married an artist/blacksmith and today we share a studio and gallery, Black Mountain Iron Works. I have been designing since 1978 and focusing on forged iron for about fifteen years.

The sculpture I make is mostly inspired by ancient cultures and expressionism. It includes much symbolism akin to African tribal art and addresses women's issues in a modern society. I strive for truth in my work. Excellent craftsmanship and durability are also important to me.

When working with clients, I co-create with them and try to capture the essence of the individual needs. Much thought and consideration is made in where the work will be placed and what the surroundings are. Blending work into its environment to create harmony is important to me.