Growing up in the Netherlands I was the youngest daughter of 5 in a family of merchants. In kindergarten I was introduced to textile and handcrafts where I found my passion, working with my hands.  When I tried clay, I loved the feel of it as a medium, but didn’t explore it until much later in life. In 1966 my husband, two oldest children and I emigrated to Canada; initially to Hamilton for the first few years. In 1971 the call of Northern Ontario, beckoned my husband and we decided to move to Commanda Lake. With, our now, 3 children in tow, we purchased a hunting camp. Rockcliffe Cottages became our families’ seasonal business. In the early years of our growing family I had become a very accomplished textile artist, making clothes for our children and selling handmade crafts at local craft shows. This skill has influenced my work today as evidenced in my designs using textile imprints in clay.
 
It wasn’t until our youngest; our final and 4th child, went to grade one, that we decided that I would go back to school. In 1979 I attended Canadore College to obtain my diploma in Crafts and Design in Ceramics.  I was fortunate to be under the instruction of Keith Campbell and Jane Agnew. It was then that I decided that stoneware clay was my medium as it was tough like me.
 
I became a production potter inspired by the ceramic artist Michael Casin, from England, who visited while I was still at Canadore College.  I loved his forms, functional works and the reduction process of his finished pottery.  He was so generous with his knowledge; a really nice down to earth gentleman.  Right after college, in 1981, we opened up my first studio called Rockcliffe Pottery.
 
I continue to be passionate about working with clay and will keep pursuing my work as long as I am able. I enjoy making more one-of-a-kind pieces now that I have the creative freedom and ability to do so. I spend 6 months in Lakeside Chapala, Mexico rejuvenating.