I went to Beaver College (now Acadia University) and aspired to be a children’s book illustrator and scientific illustrator and found barriers and rejection at many points. Frustrated I moved into graphic and web design which paid the bills for a long time but I love the act of making something tangible. I owe my talents to my mom Lois Clarkson who has been an artist in Buckingham all of her life. She is most well known for her Belsnickles and Santa figurines at Snowdin Studios. My dad is a historic restoration/preservation specialist and rebuilt the Mercer Log house years ago. So between the artistic flair and knowledge of building my love of sculpture began. My real breakthrough came after meeting my husband who owns Artistic Eyewear in town and I started doing his window displays and getting many comments and followers along the way. I had used cardboard as a supporting element in so many of the windows and decided to make the cardboard motorcycle for his window. To my husbands dismay the motorcycle has been traveling to shows instead. It has won awards and created some wonderful experiences. I had worried about being a one hit wonder with the Proper Chopper Bobber but after another six months of creating I was able to get another piece that I am very happy with completed. Red Cloud was just completed and is making his debut here.

I have a few signature techniques including never painting the cardboard. It is all colored cardboard. The second thing I like to do is use one element in each piece that is not cardboard. Sometimes it is more hidden than others. Sometimes it is a neccessary element for support and other times it is an embellishment.

My one hope is that people find joy in seeing what can be done using recycled cardboard.

My future is lined with cardboard and I have many more pieces coming soon.