Working in figurative ceramics since 1986, Linda Ganstrom explores issues that relate to her personal experiences, yet reveal universal truths and questions. Growing up on a farm in central Kansas, themes of seeds, growth, transformation and potential were central to her early work. While raising two children with her artist/husband, Sheldon Ganstrom, Linda taught for seven years at Barton County Community College and another eleven at Fort Hays State University in central Kansas. Issues related to these experiences including; memory, family obligation, gender roles, spirituality and personal identity are recurring themes in Linda’s work. The various roles of women in the late 20th century, their connection and responsibility to their community and the environment, as well as the changing perceptions of women’s potential are reflected in Linda’s figurative sculptures. Largely formed of slabs, Linda’s figures have a narrative, storytelling appeal that is enhanced by the addition of mixed media elements. They have been exhibited in over 100 state, regional and national juried exhibitions including the USA Craft Today, The National Ceramic Competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; the Ceramic International Exhibition in Baltimore; and the Crafts National in Philadelphia, among others. Published in Ceramics Monthly, Ceramics Technical, Studio Potter, ClayTimes and several books, including 500 Figures, Linda’s work has also been shown in various group and one-person exhibitions across the U.S.