This week's featured artist stumbled into pottery while taking graduate courses at Hofstra University. She's also an animal lover who shares her home with a cat named Peppermint Patty and a dog called Sailor Moon. Let's meet Monica! 
Name: Monica Laine Friedrich, 38
Hometown: Babylon, NY
Occupation: Artist, licensed real-estate saleswoman
Craft: Sculptures
Web sites: www.moonchaser.etsy.com
How did you get into making sculptures?
In 1997, I received a Masters degree in Secondary Education and Certification to teach Art K-12 from Hofstra University. While studying at Hofstra, I had a requirement for one art class. I enrolled in a graduate pottery class with instructor Lilian Dodson. There were many evenings where you could not possibly break me away from the pottery wheel. I was determined to learn how to throw clay on the wheel. I've been hooked on making pottery!
Why do you sculpt mermaids?
I was impressed with how I was able to work with and connect with the clay. I was able to create frogs that looked like they were ready to hop and croak. My strong connection with the ocean lead me to create other aquatic fish and then the big mermaids came from there.
I love to swim and I try to swim every day. Maybe I was a mermaid in another lifetime? Mermaids can be created in so many different ways. I continue to find new poses, expressions and styles of working with the clay. Most of what I do is serendipitous and a lot is learned through trial and error.
My love for the ocean makes it very easy to find sources for inspiration. My mermaids are taking over my home!
What's your best craft tip?
Focus, plan on getting messy, turn up the music and feel the clay.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere I go, new ideas come to me. Many times, my ideas come in my dreams or very early in the morning. I look for inspiration in nature while walking in the park and by the ocean. A trip to the Nassau Museum is always a good source. Broadway shows keep my mind stirring.
Just recently, I was driving to a glass studio. I observed beautiful red leaves -- and 'pow!' -- I was inspired to make red coral glass beads. They turned out perfectly.
The holidays motivate me to make really cool costumes. For Halloween 2007, I sculpted a tremendous frog prince. The previous year, I was queen leopard. I looked like I was right out of the Broadway show "The Lion King."
What craft would you like to try next?
I would like to learn how to knit.
Where do you get your sculpture supplies?
Locally, I go to Pearl Paint & Michaels. Online, I visit Arrow Springs because it's a great place for purchasing glass and tools for lampwork. I enjoy sculpting with Paris Craft.
What's your biggest challenge?
Marketing my artwork is difficult because I spend most of my time working in the art studio. It does not leave for time to take my work to many locations. However, I've received a lot of interest on Fire Island.
Do you have any advice for beginners?
Take your time with the clay and listen to your instructor's advice. Watch closely how your instructor handles the clay on the wheel and when you're hand-building. When you are throwing clay on the wheel, try to focus and breathe and don't allow the clay to control you. You should be firm with the clay, yet each time that you bring your hands back to the clay touch it gently.
Spend as much time as you can visiting galleries, museums and craft fairs for inspiration. Don't worry, the ideas will come to you, and even then, don't always go with your first thought. Be clever.
Why do you love making sculptures?
I sculpt because I enjoy it and it makes me happy. It also makes me laugh. I am amazed with the final results and I appreciate the responses that I receive from onlookers while I am building my mermaids.
Where can readers buy your wares?
My pieces can be found online: www.moonchaser.etsy.com
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