History:
I moved to Tucson in 1986 and began art classes at the local community college. I took all kinds of art classes but I was really drawn to the ceramics department. I intended to go for a degree to transfer to the university, however, I designed a clay product that catapulted me into a full-on business. Hence, my business was born and I began making and selling clay products. I have many years experience in slip casting, throwing,sculpting, mold making, tile and mural design. Much of my clay years have been self taught.

Memory Lane:
I had ideas in my head and figured out a way to make it happen. I blame that on growing up poor in a large, chaotic, alcoholic family....I had to figure out life on my own when I was very young. When I was little, I would always doodle if I had a pen and paper.
I loved my school art classes. Growing up in New York we had those resources. My art teacher, Mr. Fish, always encouraged me but I still had to figure out projects on my own because it was chaos in class, as well. But the one teacher who really had an impact on me was Mr. Brown. He taught regents English. He was a cool dude who made us read The Hobbit. I didn't have much confidence in learning to write and all, but he was patient with me and told me to write a journal. Well, I did, but I also drew pictures and painted in my journal. I handed in 3 of them that year. I had put some very private thoughts in them and he never judged me and always praised me. Thanks Mr. Brown.


Currently:
Everything is designed and made by me. I am a full time studio ceramicist /potter. I am inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the southwest culture, trends, religion, gardening, and playing with my grandchildren. Like children, I love bold colors, have a fascination for animals and I incorporate them with a whimsy flair.
My work is ever changing but currently I have been hand building shadow boxes with birds,flowers, fruit and 3-D ornaments. A technique I have developed myself.

I teach adult clay classes in my studio and I volunteer at the Gospel Rescue Mission Women and Children's Center once a month. I teach clay and crafts. Let me tell you, the women love it! It's respite for them from all they deal with every day trying to recover from a life of addictions and heart breaking disappointments. I have seen the ladies grow and flourish. I am grateful I can be a part of that.

I also help out in Kid's church on Sundays. I follow a plan but usually make it fun and creative. That's what kids want!

I love to paint. I have a few acrylic paintings in my shop and I plan to post more paintings in the future.
I make jewelry. I make clay pendants and string them onto beaded wire or polished raw hide.
I sew a bit too. Usually around Halloween or Christmas, but just for myself and my family.

Issues:
I too, deal with an auto immune disease. Everyday I have limits but God gives me the strength to get through it. I am anti Big Pharma and GMO. I am a fanatic about eating clean, not trusting the FDA standards and doing my own research for my own health and my family. (I drive them crazy.) That is why I have my own garden, I make my own kefir, sprouts,and bone broth. Again, it's part of the handmade life.

Last and certainly not least, I am a praying woman. I love the Lord and seek his guidance everyday. I talk with him throughout the day. I listen to christian music, daily. I have to have this is my life. It's my daily bread. I try to remember that it is the Lord Jesus that is my supplier of all things.... He is my strength and my shield! When people are wowed by what and how much I do, I just give God the glory. Without him, I am nothing and I can do nothing. I hope I can inspire and encourage you all to seek him and find your gifts that He has put in you. I am a huge believer that if one is not active in their godly gifts then they are doing a disservice to themselves, their families and their communities and beyond...like a ripple affect.

I invite you to visit and follow my blog at www.robinchladesigns.com Thank you for your time. And may the Lord bless you.