My background includes working as a professional artisan from 1980 until 1993. Some of my first handmade objects were wooden spoons, stained glass mirrors and wall hangings--that utilized dried foxtail grass collected from fields in and around Albemarle County. I also took an interest in making small books, though none were ever part of my product line. Spoons were an expression of my interest in carving and lead to experimenting with clay sculpture. Furniture design and accessories became my primary endeavor starting in the early 80's.