"This sculptural depiction suggests reasons for declaring the gopher tortoise endangered. Because of my long background in Elementary Education and Environmental education, I was immediately drawn to this project. Sharing with others the endangered condition of the gopher tortoise, a keystone species, and the many residents such as the indigo snake, rattle snake, gopher mouse and beetle that he allows to share his borrow gives me great pleasure. I have been a potter for several years but only recently began creating sculptures. All of my work somehow finds a “nature connection.” Even the wooden structure containing the creatures relates to the encroachment of humans into the habitat. My work is all done with cone 6 clay and finished with commercial glazes."