Discover the story that wants to be told with distinctive urns, memorials, sculptures, and end-of-life guidance.
My Vision
I am grateful to share my artistic skills and studio space, whether you need support, lessons, or a treasured gift. My vision is to offer guidance and unique ways to honor and navigate life's sacred thresholds, including death and loss.
About Marie
I have held many roles as guardian, nurturer, end-of-life doula, sole-provider and mother to my now grown children. As an artist, I have found solace in clay, while my humble studio patiently hosted the sacred space for the dreams and visions of my soul to emerge.
I became degreed in fine art decades ago. Being an artist, however, is more of a description of how I’ve done life more than what I’ve done.
As messy as this medium is to work in, clay has been for me, like delving into a forgotten language, something indulgent, eternal yet ethereal. It is a soulful way of grounding, a way of discovery, with each piece a personal journey providing a path and connection to life and to others.
I want to beg you, as much as I can, dear sir, to be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.
~ a favorite passage from Letters to a Young Poet (public library) by Rainer Maria Rilke
Background
My path as an artist has included many other hats. I've included below some of the more pivotal work experiences, but want to also mention that there were always side gigs in the arts. From teaching to faux painting, I can add that I taught undergraduate design at North Texas State University, clay sculpting at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, painting instructor with Grumbacher at Michael's as well as a restoration artist in Deep Ellum Texas.
August 1988
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Hardin-Simmons University
Sep 2009 - Dec 2011
Office Manager/Marketing Co-Chair
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
As a nonprofit artist complex office manager, I confidently oversaw daily operations, including marketing, gallery management, studio leasing, and art education programs. I worked with other artists to promote exhibitions, educational programs, and community events showcasing local and guest artists. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community and share our passion for the arts.
December 2017
Sacred Passage End-of-Life Doula
Conscious Dying Institute
After experiencing a series of loss, I pursued End-of-Life Doula certificate training which has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide non-medical healing care to individuals and families during critical illness and the dying process.
January 2018 - 2021
Executive Director of Marketing
Conscious Dying Institute
Upon completing my training, I assumed a leadership role responsible for managing a geographically dispersed team spanning the United States and Canada. This position entailed overseeing sales, marketing, and program management for end-of-life doula education and training. I provided executive support and cultivated professional relationships to promote death-positive education. Working alongside the founder, Tarron Estes, was a privilege and a fulfilling endeavor.
August 2021 - May 2023
Aftercare Support & Preneed Agent
North's Funeral Home
As a preneed agent, I provided resources for after-care support, sold preneed insurance, engaged in networking activities, executed targeted marketing campaigns to care homes and social media platforms, and promoted pre-funeral planning through branded presentations and educational materials. It was rewarding to assist families in planning ahead and easing the financial burden of funeral expenses.
