As an artist I began a life love affair many years ago with the under utilized medium, clay, for sculptures. I find that working with clay is very grounding, a soothing experience that takes me back to the ancient roots of sculpture. I have pushed the boundaries of the medium to see just what I can do with it. I have created animals, people, both as small sculptures and as life size busts of people I know.

 I also create mosaic tile tabletops and wall hangings using my own technique combining the versatility of clay with the beauty of stained glass.

When my sons were in grade school in Walden, Colorado, I volunteered as an art teacher for about 6 years. That was a gratifying experience in itself.

I was also able to get back to working with clay as my students clamored for me to make them small sculptures after I made some dinosaurs and brought them in to show to the classes.

When I received the entry to the Aspen show, I felt I needed to try a new look for my sculptures, which evolved into incorporating the beauty of juniper wood, gemstones and clay. “Apache Tears” was born; I just needed then to find the perfect piece of wood to fit what I wanted to do with her.

I have not considered branching out to doing bronze works, as I like to make just one original sculpture, not turning out dozens of copies of my work.

Recent Art Shows I have participated in:
James Surls Juried Sculpture Exhibit:
Celebrating the Colorado Sculptor,
July 2 - 24, 2009, at the Red Brick Gallery, Aspen, Colorado

Hotchkiss Art Show June18-20, 2010, 2nd place for "Bear Country"

Lylamae T. Chedsey, artist