After teaching art for more than 30 years, Patricia Simpson of Saginaw decided to go back to school and perfect her work with clay.

She wanted to create something that expressed her ancestral heritage. ‘Being an African-American woman, I had no information about my culture so I had to do research,’ she says.

Her collection includes vessels and sculptures created in the last year or two – most of which have not been on display before.

While researching African-American culture and art, she noticed similarities with Australia aboriginal color palettes and figure styles. She noticed the similarities between pieces in her basement mini gallery and aboriginal paintings.

‘It was a happy accident,’ she says.

Each piece is handmade and one of a kind. Each vessel can take up to a month to create. It requires time to dry and harden because if the structure is not strong enough, the clay can crack.

Simpson received a master’s degree from Wayne State University, double majoring in art education and home economics. She taught in Detroit for 22 years and spent several years teaching ceramics before retiring in 2010. Then she took ceramic classes at the College of Creative Studies, and is taking a pottery throwing class at Oakland Community College.

‘I started taking classes and refining my art, which has really helped. I’m learning new things and techniques,’ she says, noting she’s perfected glazing techniques, abstract patterns and designs.

Simpson has a kiln at home, but said she enjoys feedback and critique from other classmates and teachers. She plans to continue taking classes.

‘It’s just the journey and educating yourself,’ she says.