Pottery has been my enduring passion for over 60 years. I first took a ceramics class in college and knew immediately that this was how I would spend the rest of my life. There is a peace that comes from the process: the feel of the clay in my hands, the way it can be formed and transformed through its different stages.
I simply love to make pots. I love to use them in my own home, and if one of my pieces finds its way into your life, I hope that in using it, you share in the joy and sense of connection I had while making it.
My journey in clay began back in 1963 at the College of New Rochelle. I still clearly remember every project from that first ceramics class and learning to throw pots on a kick wheel. After college, I was awarded a scholarship to study Ceramics full-time at the Brooklyn Museum Art School while simultaneously starting my Master’s program at the Pratt Institute.
After graduating from Pratt in 1969, I opened my first pottery studio and gallery near the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Soon after, my family and I bought an old farmhouse in Crown Heights where we set up a new studio. For many years, I taught classes out of my studio and even started a ceramics program and studio at my children’s school, P.S. 189 The Bilingual Center, after securing a grant.
As a child growing up in Long Island, New York, I was always captivated by stories of the Wild West. My childhood dream of moving out west finally came true in 1989 after an experience that changed my life: I attended a ten-day workshop with the 96-year-old Acoma pottery legend, Lucy Lewis, in Chaco Canyon. It was there, camping and learning the ways of traditional Native pottery, that I was completely smitten by New Mexico—and I made it my business to move here.
Throughout my career, I’ve continually sought to expand my knowledge, organizing and taking workshops with masters like Karen Karnes, Makoto Yabe, Byron Temple, Tom Coleman, and, most notably, Felipe Ortega for micaceous pottery. Over the years, I’ve sold my work wholesale to major stores including Pottery Barn, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s, and I’ve had gallery spaces in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Mexico. I am also a founding member of the Tomé Art Gallery, where my work is currently sold.
Today, I live in an old stage stop in Tomé, New Mexico, with my husband, George Ridgeway. I teach Ceramics at the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus, and we spend our time enjoying our ever-growing family, renovating our home, and working with the beautiful New Mexico clay.
For me, the art of pottery is deeply connected to the warmth of the kitchen and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends. My pots are made to be used, filled with food and laughter, and be a part of the memories we make.
This personal connection is the inspiration behind my cookbook, which shares the stories and recipes that have brought so much joy into my life. The following is an excerpt from the book’s forward:
I consider myself extremely blessed. I grew up with security. I have work I truly love. I have a family that is my world. I have a legacy of love that I have received and in turn want to pass on. When I really think about it, it seems to me that it was all centered in the kitchen. If you were to ask me, “what are your happiest moments?”, I would be able to answer in a heartbeat. On those days that I get up early in the morning and start the Sunday Sauce and then cook throughout the whole day, my heart is full of joy. I feel complete when the whole family gathers around the table—the kids, the grandkids, the friends—and everyone talks about how good the meatballs are! The good China stays in the hutch, and I fill up my pottery bowls with pasta, sausage, braciole and meatballs and we all “Eat til it Ouches You.” And so, that is where this little book has its deep roots.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, please get in touch with me directly to inquire about availability and pricing.
