Artist Bio

Having been trained as an artist and graphic designer before working as a potter and polymer clay artist, Alene seeks to infuse her artistic vision into every piece she makes. “When I step back and look at my work, I feel very proud that I’ve created something that I think people will appreciate and enjoy.” With this emphasis influencing her point of view, Alene's work has found its way into numerous galleries and crafts centers, as well as the homes of several celebrities, including singer Michael Bolton, and actors William Fichtner and Nathan Baesel.

Alene started her professional career working as a graphic designer and art director for design firms and newspapers. She currently teaches in schools and universities across New England including the graphic design department at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell. “I often start with concepts borrowed from design, such as color, texture and shape, and try to find unusual techniques and new combinations that produce interesting pieces that are unique. I really enjoy experimenting,” explains Alene.

Every piece has its own, distinctive character. “Polymer clay is the most exciting form of pottery production I know,” says Alene. who worked as a raku potter before turning to the polymer medium.

It is this never-ending process of creation and consideration and then, sometimes, re-creation that perhaps best describes the way Alene creates her art.  It's like a 3D canvas that can be painted over if you don't find it up to standard the first time! "The fact that you can create beautiful pieces of art and jewelry in a matter of minutes, as opposed to traditional stoneware clay which can take up to 6 weeks for one piece, is amazing when you think about it,” she adds on a more philosophical note.

Look for Alene and her techniques on HGTV’s That’s Clever!in Winter 2009. She has also been featured on WMUR TV's New Hampshire Chronicle as well as in The Nashua Telegraph and The Boston Globe