Stop and Smell the Roses

Before we can even start, we must go back in time. I started sculpting around the age of five. I was given polymer clay, and it was as if my hands knew exactly what to do. I would make micro-sculptures of food, but only for my Barbies! I could see every layer of each food item. My parents were amazed by how detailed these tiny creations were, and so the journey of an artist began.

My parents made sure I always had the supplies to execute any idea that lived in my head. A highlight of my childhood was going to Michael’s and leaving with new colored clay and small wooden tools. This continued until my freshman year of high school, when my micro-sculptures discovered ceramics.

Ceramics is where I felt my art truly come alive. Suddenly, those tiny pieces evolved into large vases and stunning glazes. I spent my high school years in the studio, but I eventually learned that ceramics is a delicate, unforgiving process. One small air bubble could easily destroy my work. I became much more cautious with how my pieces were constructed; polymer clay had been so easy by comparison.

During my senior year, my grandmother passed away. It became too difficult for me to continue working on my remaining pieces at the time. But eventually, I had to stop and smell the roses—in every sense. Now, my art has transitioned into floral design as I continue to evolve into the next version of myself.