North CarolinaMeredith College, B.A. Becky Gray’s life and her work are greatly nurtured by her rural surroundings, as well as by the people and animals who are her friends and neighbors. Although her work is often termed as “spiritual” it does not celebrate any one religion, rather she tries to see and honro the spirit in all living things. It is important to Becky to create pieces which have ceremonial value to an individual, or even a family – which by possession and use, can strengthen a sense of what is good and loving in humanity. I am continually inspired by the works of ancient and/or primitive peoples, and those of children because these works possess such great honesty of spirit. They seem to spring from the heart or soul, not the ego, of their creators – hence, their great ability to inspire laughter or awe. These works are technically strong because of the great care and love involved in their creation, not because they were executed as 'celebrations of technique' by their makers. I try to keep in mind that my spiritual growth as a human being and my technical growth as a craftsperson are inextricably entwines, and both must be considered as I go about my daily labors. To work with one’s hands in silence, endeavoring through the forms and symbols of a given work to reach out to others and to share the best part of one’s spirit . . . What more could one ask of a profession – or of a life?