Clay is the medium LaLarney has chosen to work her art upon. It is reminiscent of her Native American heritage. She likes to use bright colors and soft pastel hues which evoke memories of a sun rising and the gentle colors glowing from the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley where she lived her early years. Color was always with her in Virginia, from the purple of the sunsets across the mountains to the vibrant oranges, reds and yellows of the trees changing color in the fall. All these memories help her visualize how she sees her pots and masks and how they should come to life with color and texture as she works the clay and glaze.
Lalarney has studied with some of the greats of the pottery world. She has taken workshops and classes from Jack Troy, Val Cushing, Paul Soldner, Ron Meyers, Richard Zakin, Stephen Hill and Ken Ferguson. LaLarney doesn' try to explain her work in terms of some deep inner feeling. Rather, she enjoys the creation of something that has beauty and that others can capture a sense of enjoyment from by holding it in their hands. Or, they can simply look at her pieces and know that her vision of art and color has been passed, through clay, from her hands...to them.
LaLarney has won numerous awards for her work . She has participated in many art shows and exhibits. Her work is now available at the Blue Morning Gallery.