CERAMIC MIXED MEDIA

In 2024 I attended a breast cancer retreat where I learned fly fishing. While roll casting, I was visually drawn to the way the fishing line looked like calligraphy with hidden messages. It became part of my artistic expression to untangle the inspirational words hidden in the lines.

This piece is meant to be viewed from both sides in order to read the continuous calligraphic fishing line with the message, Behold...The Rainbow. The artwork is intended to be inspirational and in reverence to natural creation.

Idaho's Salmon River holds a special place in my heart. As does the rivers and creeks of my childhood in California. Through clay in my hands my desire is to express my love for the live giving rivers.

Amphibians are special in that their fragility is balanced by their resilience. As a child who spent time hiking and exploring in the Santa Monica Mountains. While exploring a dry creek bed, I was party to a childish naiveté that thought a group of newts needed rescuing. Unfortunately they did not survive my attempt to save them in an aquarium. However, the lesson I will always remember is that nature is in balance if we as humans can allow it to be undisturbed.

Two Trout In Stream demonstrates the pleasure I find as an artist within the flow state while engaged in surface decoration. The image is created through stamping and carving into clay. The colors and sheen of the glaze reflect my experience of the reflections and depth of the free flowing water on the Salmon river.

I was given the opportunity to participate in the Fly Fishing retreat for breast cancer survivor run by the non-profit Casting For Recovery. I made a series of these bowls to honor the volunteers who bring so much comfort and healing to survivors. Art and nature have been elemental in my recovery.

 With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

With this series I set out to explore the question; What is my vision of “Heaven on Earth”? The process called sgraffito is carving through contrasting layers of earthen clay. The heavenly imagery comes from the earthy experience of a Mother, supported by a Father, growing their family together. Stylized Lines, color, contrast and geometric symbols are employed as the visual language of this artwork series.

Created for the Old Idaho Penitentiary 32 Cells Exhibition. 

Her name was Theresa Mae Higheagle Johnson of the Nez Perce people. She was murdered October 1948 by Joseph Chalwain of the Coeur D’Alene people. Time was served for his crime at The Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise. This artwork was made by Leslie Jay Bosch on land formerly inhabited by Shoshone-Bannock people. Dedicated to the memory of Theresa Mae and her infant son Martin who followed his Mother in passing in December 1948.

The red handprint represents the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women movement and honors Indigenous people who have been silenced.

Compassionate

Tears

Sunshine

Emanating

Vitality

Weathered heartwood trembling.
Abundant love, Gaia gives freely.
Feeling soul shock, healing.
The receivers mission, to be worthy.
Our Mother Earth is weeping.
Her shed tears are seeds creating. 

Ho’oponopono Prayer
I am so sorry
Please forgive me
I love you
Thank you

From Wild Mercy by Mirabai Starr

“A more feminine flavor of leadership is not something that only women crave. It is nourishment for men as well. Feminine wisdom feeds the human spirit. Mary Magdalene, in her passionate spontaneity, defiance of established plot lines, and the tenderness of her devotion, is an ever-living source of this soul food. Let her nourish you as you step up now. You may look to “the Magdalene” as a role model or an empowered mystic or call upon her as a metaphysical being available as a spirit guide. Either way, she can be an ally in our reclamation of feminine wisdom and power.

In the Dark Night of the Soul, John of the Cross described Mary Magdalene’s passion for Jesus as symbolic of the birthright of the human soul so on fire for God that she will do whatever is necessary to get to her Beloved. 

Why did the Christian community fail to acknowledge Mary Magdalene as the intimate spiritual companion - probably closest disciple, maybe even spiritual equal - to Rabbi Jesus? And how has the mischaracterization of Mary Magdalene excluded women from full participation in Christ’s lineage? Mary’s way was the way of the heart. She exemplified devotion. The institutionalized church is the way of the analytical mind. Mary’s teachings are rooted in the body and grounded in direct experience with the sacred. The dogma of the church demanded unquestioned adherence to established doctrines and prescribed rituals. Given her personal relationship with Christ - a connection that did not require the intercession of a male authority figure - It isn’t difficult to see why Mary Magdalene would be perceived as a threat.”

The moment of catalyzing totality flipped her world upside down and inside out. From that pain was born a gift, the ability to listen to the mystical, long forsaken voice howling from the depths. When the words came echoing back they were the cries of a young girl; “Father please tread lightly upon our Mother”.

This artwork aims to transform grief into forgiveness. My purpose is to bring awareness and appreciation for our connections to earth and spirit. I do this by creating art that reflects the beauty of the natural world and humanities role within it.

Creative forces expand and recoil within her as she sings a song of sorrow. Life and death ebb and flow from her womb. Yet her grace through pain is ever abundant.

Diana; beautiful, warm, graceful, tender. Like a dove seeking a peaceful shelter she sought refuge with her ill-fated lover Dodi. Their legacy is vows unspoken, a future unwritten, a tragedy indelible in all our memories.