Nancy Dimock grew up on a small farm on the upper peninsula of Michigan. "Growing up in the wilderness," she says, "I experienced nature and all her cycles firsthand, including her power to mature my soul.

In 1965 she received a BA in Fine Arts and Education from Michigan State University, and then set out to explore the boundaries of her creativity. By the time she and her husband arrived in Tucson, over a decade ago, she had been captivated by pottery and ceramic work.

"Clay, " she says, "is a continuous learning experience. When I listen to the language of the clay, it often take me from my conscious mind to a deeper place where my experiences remember themselves in my pieces.

"Dreams, nature, ancient rituals, animistic artifacts, solo hikes in the desert, myth and legend are all sources of inspiration for my artwork," she continues. "I handbuild clay figures, masks and wall hangings by means of coil and slab methods and use unusual glazes and hand acrylic painting, in keeping with the character of my subjects.

"As an artist it is my hope that my shamanic transformation figures as well as my smaller totemic talismans, convey the deep universal appeal of these animals and reveal the primordial consciousness that we all share.

"In my more whimsical, colorful and handpainted figures, I hope to convey our shared spiritual sense of humor as well. In all my work I aim to communicate my profound reverence for animals, my personal revelations and to bring forth the energy, mystery and simplicity of ancient artistry for all to see."

Nancy's art is featured a several southwestern galleries and collections nationally.