Since I was a child making sculptures in the mud, art's been my life's journey. Everything I see is a composition, idea or story, a celebration of color and a way to create, catalogue, memorize, or alter my environment.
My work celebrates the gorgeous Florida nature that surrounds me and it's rich colors and textures. I love to create both the whimsical and beautiful, and tell subtle stories that evoke humor and joy.
I'm dedicated to evolving as an artist in the techniques and processes I use. I both hand build and throw on the wheel and combine them as I constantly experiment with new shapes and designs to tame and capture the stream of ideas and stories in my mind.
I thrive on exploring different glazes and surfaces as well as sculptural techniques, and employ several methods of firing. For functional ware I fire in Cone 10 reduction. Some of my decorative work is low-fire and colorful or pit-fired, but my favorite method of firing is done in the raku kiln where I find the challenge of fire and smoke most alluring.
I'm also passionate about sharing clay art! I am inspired not only by creating it, but also by teaching others to capture their own visions in clay. I'm always happy to talk about methods and technique in choosing clay, shaping and glazing it, and firing it.
Bio
Peggy was born and raised in Connecticut, attended Randolph Macon College, and graduated from the University of Connecticut. Additionally she studied art at several colleges throughout the USA over the years, and was apprenticed to a production potter.
She's lived an adventurous life full of rich and varied work and life experiences. She has lived, worked and travelled in 11 different states and beyond, gathering memories and inspiration along the way that continue even now to fuel her creativity. Finally settling in Vero Beach, Florida, Peggy raised 5 children and taught art in the Indian River school system for 17 years. She now teaches clay art at the Vero Beach Art Museum.
Her artwork has been shown in the Brevard Museum of Art, the Vero Beach Art Museum, and the Bacchus Museum, as well as at galleries throughout Florida's treasure coast. In addition Peggy is a member of a group of resident artists that show their work at Flametree Clay Art Gallery in downtown Vero Beach. She has participated in several local shows, among them the prestigious Under the Oaks, and opened her studio to visitors as part of the Vero Beach Art Trail event. Peggy is also a certified Bikram Yoga instructor, an avid kayaker and a lover of nature who finds much inspiration for her art in Florida's beautiful flora and fauna. When not throwing, sculpting or firing in her studio , you can find Peggy walking on the beach, paddling on the river or cycling through her part of the world!