I am a Ceramic Artist and Master Carpenter. I earned my MFA from Claremont Graduate University in 1984, with a focus on ceramic sculpture, installation and performance art. In 1991, I started MATTER, a handmade, custom furniture design and manufacturing business. Today, I maintain a professional woodshop and ceramic studio, where I design and build custom furniture and cabinetry, as well as create my ceramic sculptures. I have also taught classes in ceramics and woodworking throughout the years. In December of 2018, I expanded my studio space to include an art gallery, Matter Studio Gallery. My purpose in opening the Matter Studio Gallery is to provide a vital and dynamic space for local artists to share their work and reach a wider audience. I represent diverse artists whose cultures and perspectives embody universal themes. I showcase a broad range of art mediums, which include: painting, photography, installation, performance, mixed media and fashion. Currently, I have created the Memorial Crane Project, a collaborative installation honoring the victims of Covid-19. As this Memorial travels to various States. Through social media and the multiple press coverage, I started receiving and continue to receive Tsuru, (origami cranes) that me and my team of volunteers string and install in various venues throughout the US. I am requesting contributions of Origami Cranes, along with Stories and Names to honor the loved ones lost. I currently have received over 160,000 cranes! They have been donated from 5 continents, 9 countries and 46 of the United States. My Intention is to continue to expand these Memorial installations, touching more lives with this simple yet elegant tribute to celebrate these lives and lift our hopes and spirits towards a time of healing and unity as we witness our oneness and how we all impact each other and our environment. My goal is to provide the space to collectively mourn, commemorate and remember those lost during this Pandemic.