I grew up deep in the mountains west of Fort Collins. Sneaking out in high school was impossible, but calling the rocks, woods, and river my neighbors shaped me so profoundly that I can’t imagine how dull life might have been without them. I’ve always loved making everything out of anything and picking up whatever skill an absurd idea demands. I studied chemical engineering as an undergrad and worked in a range of research and professional labs, but my heart always pulled toward art. To me, engineering is the perfect blend of creativity and science–something I undoubtedly inherited from my artist- and STEM-teacher parents.
Pottery has been one of my favorite hobbies for most of my life because it embodies that same balance of science and art. Today, I run the ceramics department at Foothills Art Center, where I couldn’t be happier helping others bring their ideas to life in any way I can. I value creativity as a portal into the childlike world of exploring a reality with your hands. Shared creativity creates community, which I think is the most powerful element in developing meaning in my life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
The golden moments I get to experience from what I do are when someone comes into the studio and seeing the moment a state of raw excitement appears after making something they might not have thought they could. My hope is to make a place where anyone can enter and feel the pressures of external life disappear for a few hours to play in the mud. I do wish to eventually return to the technical field; perhaps ceramic materials research will draw me to go back to school for a graduate program, and then hopefully I can do both the creative and scientific sides of it. Along my path, I’ve been fortunate to exhibit work in state and national shows, present at conferences, teach workshops, author papers, and collaborate with artists and organizations throughout Golden and beyond. I am very thankful for the supportive upbringing that allowed me to chase my passions fully and am grateful to now be able to share my passion with many others doing art.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
I rarely went out to eat growing up so far from town and I really enjoy cooking, so exploring the restaurants around Golden has been a slow exercise during the moments when I wipe the clay off my hands and realize I haven’t eaten in 8 hours. Sherpa House right next door is incredible. They do everything there, including great food and beautiful attention to detail. I also love San Telmo Market and Cheese Ranch; they are a great contrast to the larger restaurants right down Washington Avenue.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Golden four years ago to attend Colorado School of Mines. I’ve worked around Golden the whole time, but after graduating in 2024, I am the happiest yet and have the most hope for working on the ceramics department at Foothills and whatever other projects might be coming my way.
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
I enjoy just exploring the peaks and valleys in the area with my dog, being pulled along by all the cool plants during the growing season and fulfilling the excitement I get from my inner amateur botanist.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Life happens outside; be there.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Goose Town Station. It’s such a perfect little place. It honestly feels like a bunch of neighbors hanging out in the backyard against a backdrop of a variety of great small bands playing.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how Golden is geologically bound between three mountains. It’s condensed enough that it feels homely yet still functionally large enough to accommodate the largest single onsite brewery and an incredible university that gives the town a really unique feeling. I sincerely appreciate the value the people of Golden place in the various nonprofits and organizations and the individuals behind them who put on so many events and community-based programs that make Golden so interconnected.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I hit my head ~80% less than you might think I do.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My incredible and relentless parents, Kirk and Ardella, and soul-bound brothers, Calvin and Landan; Pat and Judy for their unending support and being the best mentors I could only have dreamt of; my gargantuan dog, Baloo, who reminds me to smell more of the flowers; my second family through Foothills; Bryn for such a genuine passion of unbridled creativity; Sean for showing the world that a life of climbing trees is fuller than the risk of falling; my old lab crew; the various people who supported, taught or mentored me; those I have met through the arts, sharing teaching and learning; the flowers that still open for the bugs; birds that still sing for the sun; and my dream to keep doing this even more.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Plants/pets/people, wherever I can make the most things, and a shower head I can fit under.
