Although my background is in Architecture, I was always more inclined towards art. After exploring several media including photography, I discovered Fiber Arts. I took courses in tapestry weaving and a variety of surface design techniques. Working with fibers has always appealed to me because of its tactile quality, variety of textures and colors.

In 1995 I started working with polymer clay, making jewelry. What attract me to this material are the vivid colors, its dimensionality and the diversity of effects I can accomplish with it. Polymer clay is a soft, man-made material that needs a low firing temperature to harden (200°-300°F).

I work in two and three dimensions, but feel more comfortable working in three dimensions. In the past years, I began integrating my fiber, photography and polymer clay interests into mixed media pieces and installations. My work is about experimentation, I am particularly interested in the process of making and exploring different approaches to materials. I am inspired by nature and primitive cultures. Time touches, alters and decays things. There is beauty in decay. Seeing the marks of the passing of time moves me and I try to include them into the work.

I am a studio artist and teacher; who exhibits and sells my work through galleries and juried art shows nationally and internationally. I am a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, the International Polymer Clay Association, the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild, where I am currently the president, and the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh.

Read an interview at Layers upon Layers

More of my work on Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/lauratabakman

You can buy my work at my Etsy store