The region of Southern New Jersey, and most directly Cumberland County, is a beautiful area that I have explored since my early childhood. Boats have always been an important part of my mother’s family, so most of our adventures were based around water. We have canoed all the major rivers of the region and most of the local lakes and large ponds. These family outings brought about a strong sense of understanding of our ecosystem, the flora and fauna within, and human’s responsibility to carefully preserve it.

I have always been able to turn to nature for recreation, such as canoeing and hiking, but it also serves as the greatest inspiration for my artwork. The details, textures, colors and completely organic shapes challenge me to make them into sculptures. I have submitted two of those pieces, including a giant flower and an octopus inspired teapot.

I have been able to use my pottery to help some local organizations raise money by donating pieces for silent auctions. One of my favorite local environmental groups is the Bay Shore Discovery Project, located in Bivalve. They’ve restored the AJ Meerwald; a schooner built in 1928, now used to educate residents about the history of the bay. School children and adult groups alike get to ride on the gorgeous ship and not only learn about the bay’s economic history, but also creatures that live in and around it. A wide variety of shellfish, birds, small animals, fish, and plants are all included in lesson, and show how important it is to be respectful of nature.

The importance of nature is a lesson I learned early in life, and in such a rapidly developing region, we all have to be careful to preserve as much as we can. New Jersey is the Garden State, but much of Northern Jersey does not reflect that title nearly as much as Cumberland County and the surrounding areas. Our history is closely tied with the land here, whether it’s the glass industry built around the sand or oyster beds along the bay. The land should always remain an important part of everyone’s life and we should support educational programs that promote the protection of our unique region.