Muse Series is concerned with the wonder of origin and exposing the unseen core, the essential structure of skeletal or embryonic animal references. The intent this series is to explore the dysfunction of systems to communicate with the whole body and to evoke the human spirit that was destroyed and to make amends for our mistakes. I find these references provocative and they offer me an opportunity to understand our own growth and decay. Recently, I was diagnosed with an inherited, rare genetic autosomal dominant disease called Spinocerebellar Ataxia 5. This disease runs in my father’s family and has moved my work to investigate genetics, too. Specifically, this form of ataxia was found in one branch of Abraham Lincoln’s family and I am Lincoln’s cousin 7 generations removed. Also, Muse Series contains pieces that are inspired by my Catholic upbringing and losing my sister. I was raised to believe that Purgatory is a place of suffering, where we repay and repent for our sins. Mixed-media materials used are hand-built clay, copper wire, paperclay, stain and fiberglass.