Q: What inspired you to do the piece?A: This piece was made for a self-portrait exhibition, and I drew from my own life for the subject matter. I have four children, three of whom are triplets. At the time this piece was made they were ages 8 and 9. Laundry was a constant in my life and that, along with other demands, sometimes seemed overwhelming. This piece, with the huge mountain of laundry and small self-portrait on top, relates those feelings. A pair of blue jeans serves as the handle, a rolled rug is the spout and the figure is the lid.

Q: How did it get into the Smithsonian?

A: The sculpture was accepted into the permanent collection by way of a donation from the Dianne and Sandy Besser Collection in Sante Fe, N.M. Mr. Besser’s teapot collection has a national reputation. Mr. Besser purchased this piece from me after seeing it in an article published in “Ceramics Monthly.”

Q: Have you ever received any honor like this?

A: This is the most important collection I have been a part of. I do exhibit my work nationally, and I have been in competitive shows.

Q: Why did you decide to go into the art field?

A: I think it is where my natural ability seemed to lead me. As a child I was always interested in building things and making things.

Q: As you look over your career, are you completely satisfied with where you are?

A: I am very satisfied here at Nicholls. I enjoy my job, and I love working with students.

Q: What type of art do you specialize in creating?

A: I have been working in clay since 1971. Teapots, goblets and cups are my main interest. I usually work in a series and find the teapot, cup and goblet impose a structure very compatible with my ideas. Personal experiences and observations of my own environment are also important factors in the development of my work. My pieces are generally small, detailed and often humorous, combining various hand-built techniques with occasional thrown form. I have always worked on a small scale and feel this size, in combination with detail, helps invite the viewer to take a closer, more intimate look.