I work with clay as a meditative practice to connect with the earth and create organic sculptures-sometimes functional, sometimes not. I like making small objects like candle holders and little stair-case sculptures. Mostly I work at home and I believe anyone can work in clay even if you don't have a studio. The tools I prefer to use are very simple and I believe if you know how to use your hands as tools you can quite a lot. I especially enjoy working with children in clay because it unlocks a very primal side of creating. It is so soothing and there are endless possibilities of things you can create in clay. I do not have a kiln of my own but I believe in connecting to your local ceramic studio to fire work. It is much easier than it sounds. My attitude as a teacher is empowering students to follow their natural instincts and pay attention to how the clay reacts. I have simple suggestions and a few tips and tricks, but mostly encourage each child to create in the way that feels most natural to them. I am patient and easily inspired by any ideal a child brings to me. This is my teaching style.