I pulled sticky clay from the bottom of a lake I frequently swam in, following my 10 year-old fingers, I pinched a tentative wiggly pot. Before running off with friends, I set it to dry on a fence near the horse barn. That was the first pot I remember making. With that innocent exploration, a seed was planted. Somehow I knew clay would “shape” my life. To feel something so profound, and yet be very comfortable with the immensity of that knowledge, the wonders of childhood! As I ran off that day, I didn’t think any more about it. Years later when I walked into the Ceramics Dept. at art school, I felt that seed would now begin to grow.

I graduated with a BFA from CCA, California College of the Arts, Oakland, CA. in 1977, and have worked in my Sonoma County studio since 1982.
 
The Loom Company (http://www.theloomcompany.com/) in NYC has represented my wholesale work since 1991. They currently handle the wholesale of the Citrange stoneware line nationally.

I started my business in 1984 with the desire to create objects that are beautiful, simple, and can be used every day. I believe we should use thoughtfully designed objects in our quotidian life. When these objects resonate with us, we slow down, take a conscious breath and appreciate the moment.

It is important that I maintain my studio production on a small-scale. This has allowed me to keep close creative ties to my work, and over the years mentor the young adults who come through as employees. In keeping with my business concept of balancing economic and community concerns, we donate a percentage of internet sales to FINCA International. (www.villagebanking.org ) Utilizing micro-finance, FINCA offers financial services such as small loans and insurance to low-income people in developing countries. It bolsters self-employment and general economic vitality by helping people create and operate their own small businesses.

The inspiration for my work often comes from the landscape around me. Whether at home or traveling, I am drawn to visual texture and subtle surfaces - the texture of a mango’s skin, or water’s play over grass and rock as it works its way to the beach. I try to capture the essence of these experiences in each piece.

When you create your own Soule Studio collection and find those quiet moments of inspiration at your table, then that early seed of mine continues to grow.