Are you self taught or have attended an art school?

I attend Vocational School (Harbour View) when Ted Campbell and Fred Ross were instructors. This is why I have very good drawing skills and this enabled me to make a living as a court artist for 30 years.  And, I tend to turn to realism between new work or between events…such as the Legere case for 2 and a half months. I drew jars of pickles, plants and the river view outside Ene Vahi’s house in Taymouth where I was staying, just to come out of that. I took workshops for other mediums when I needed help for a project…from printmaking to watercolours.

Who or what inspires you?

A variety of things and people. I still remember  seeing Toulouse Lautrec work up close and it was very freeing…..it gave me permission to make scribbly marks if I felt like it. I didn’t have to colour inside the lines.

How would you describe your style or process?

Not sure, I’ve always felt my work was very conservative….I’m still trying to make a perfect bowl in pottery.

Where may people find more of your work?

My clay related Hope series of women, acrylic landscapes (from last winter) and tiny works as well as pottery are at Klausen Gallery, Prince William St. or my studio is usually open, call 847-8754.

What are you currently working on?

Starting a new clay series of sculpture, finishing a couple of commissions…a set of 8 pc. dinnerware with cats and a family portrait of four.

What is your idea of a dream trip?

I’d love to go back to Italy, Florence especially. I felt comfortable there; but then Russia was amazing and a little scarey at the time.

What would you like to accomplish in the next three years?

Be alive and healthy is the first thing. Finish the sculpture series, a tryptch I envisioned last summer….and dabble in fresco again. Oh and there is that chunk of stone calling to me.

Book or Movie?

I prefer to read if that’s the question.

Chocolate  or vanilla?

Very cold homemade vanilla ice cream.