I'm Marni—a maker at heart, and art has been my lifelong passion. After years of teaching and nurturing creativity in others, I'm excited to step into my own artistic journey full-time, especially working with clay. My love for ceramics began during my time at the University of Minnesota, where I double-majored in Studio Arts and Art History, with a special emphasis on ceramics. Later, I deepened my understanding of art education, earning my MEd from the U of M in 2006.

My artistic journey has taken me to the Southwest, where I immersed myself in traditional native crafts, learning directly from indigenous artisans. This experience has profoundly shaped my approach, blending cultural traditions with my own creative expression.

In my pursuit of artistic voice, I’ve explored various craft schools, including memorable experiences at Arrowmont and Touchstone, and I was honored to be part of the 2019 MN NICE cohort at the Northern Clay Center. My work is grounded in handbuilding, with a particular passion for slab work. Recently, I’ve been revisiting mold-making, excited to weave it into my evolving body of work.

Outside the studio, I find inspiration in state fairs—Minnesota's being the crown jewel in my book—and I have a deep appreciation for the whimsy of theme parks, drawing influence from Disney's Mary Blair. When I'm not creating, you’ll find me in the garden, learning the art of food preservation, and enjoying the simple pleasures that feed my creative spirit.