This work with ceramics conjures a world of eccentric animals and beings, populates an imaginary universe with planets that explore the tactile qualities of various clay bodies and glazes, and portrays animals with more humor than sentiment. The hand-painted porcelain tableware features floating protozoa, paramecia, and other dramatic inhabitants of our micro-biomes in a style akin to comic book heroes and villains.

Unlike traditional embroidery which brings attention to precision and skill, needlework on plant fiber is an unusual, improvisational form. These stitches are meant to highlight the difference in scale between handwork and the unbelievably intricate and complex structure of plants, even in the decaying matter that plants discard of themselves.

I am just beginning to experiment with the myriad ceramic bits (widgets) sewn to soft sculptures. They have a slightly animal presence but plantlike structure that I hope to scale up in the future.

Over the course of my career I have worked and shown internationally in many mediums; visual, sonic, sculptural and performative. I ‘m currently emeritus after 25 years of teaching interdisciplinary arts at CalArts, and a member of the Creative Arts Group in Sierra Madre.