How did you get interested in creating art?
I have always been interested in art. I remember playing in mud puddle clay at the age of 5 and feeling the magic.  Then, years later in my first college ceramic class, I experienced that same magic again and said I wanted to do that forever; and I have.

Where/how did you learn your craft? Who helped you along the way?
I learned pottery from my college mentor, Dr. Jay Shurtliff.  His teaching and encouragement have led me to this place in my life.  I will forever be grateful for his faith in me.  Education has always been very important to me.  I received both my Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters Degrees from Central Michigan University. I was also awarded an Honorary PhD from CMU after I presented the Commencement Keynote Address to the graduating class of 2015.

What personal experiences have shaped your creative process?
One of my most important influences came to me in a dream.  I dreamed I created a pottery jar that was cut all the way through, leaving empty spaces between the turtles that were drawn around the neck.  I made that pot the next time I was in the studio.  It was very primitive, but has developed into the intricately carved pieces that have become my trademark in the pottery world.

What work are you most proud of that you've created so far?
It would be difficult for me to pick which art work is my favorite or even one that I am most proud of.  They are all like my children and all of them are expressions of emotions or events that have influenced their creation.  Most of my pots tell stories. In fact, I have started printing mini books that I bind by hand to let others keep the stories fresh after they leave me.  Many of the stories come from cultural teachings while others have deep personal meanings that are transferred into the surface of the clay through my carvings.  I believe these pieces will help educate the public and keep these stories alive for future generations.

How has your career developed?
My career has gone from simple student exhibits at CMU to selling in Native American Art Galleries and Markets across the country.  I have many pieces in private collections, museums, and large corporations.  Some of these include: The Smithsonian Institute, Disney World, Honda Corporation, Sugar Diabetes Foundation, U.S. Embassy, Eiteljorg Museum, Ziibiwing Cultural Center, Central Michigan University, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and the Institute of American Indian Art Santa Fe.

What do you enjoy the most about being an artist?
I thoroughly enjoy the hours I get to spend doing what I love.  I like interpreting my vision to others within my art.  I like teaching others the techniques and guiding people along the path of creativity.  I especially love passing this gift down to my family and grandkids.  It lets me realize that my legacy will live on.

What do you find the most challenging about being an artist?
My biggest challenges come from organizing time for creating the art, doing paperwork, writing to galleries and clients, and filling out applications for art markets, fellowships, and grants. It is all part of being an artist, so that thought keeps me going.

What do you want viewers to take away from your work?
I believe that a culture can best be understood by their art. The underlying stories that accompany the creations can tell the viewers a lot about who created it but can also make the viewers understand things about themselves. How they react to the visual aspects, the feelings they get from the piece.  When people look at my art, they often have feelings that come to the surface. Sometimes it is a simple smile, sometimes a tear.  I want them to see my work from a new perspective and enjoy it. They can look at it with a technical eye as well as an emotional eye.

How do tradition and identity inform your work?
I create my work centered around Nature and my Native American heritage.  I use Woodland designs and legends as well as personal experiences as the basis for my work.  Each piece is a reflection of my relationship with the world I live in.

How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
I have made several pieces that depict social issues of today.  My “Missing and Murdered” pots and ledger drawings are focused on this current event.  I have tried to bring attention to this through my art.

Do you make art full-time, or as you can?
I work as many hours a day as I can. I am sure it is full time occupation but the old saying “do what you love and you will never have to work another day in your life” is so true.  It doesn’t seem like work when I’m in the studio.  I love it, and it gives me such a feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment. I am truly blessed to be able to do this every day.

What are some of the most significant challenges you face in doing your work?
Some of the challenges I have are keeping inventory moving forward.  Many of my pieces are very time consuming and I have to budget my creative time. I also have to make sure my equipment is running properly.  I have to depend on my kiln and it is an expensive item to fix or repair.

What outcomes would you like to see from this show?
I want viewers to see the immense talent that the Anishinaabe people have.  Many of us started out as kitchen table artists and have come a long way.  We have pushed forward through many difficulties and adversities, but we have prevailed with beautiful works that tell of our struggles and accomplishments along the way.