Kanika Marshall believes her ancestors work through her fingers to help create each collectible “Art by Kanika” sculpture from her private studio in Elk Grove, California. Clay is often the foundation, enhanced by stone, glass, vivid African textiles, leather, beads, and recycled metal. Her creative process generally begins with a 25-pound block of red clay. Shapes of women, abstract forms, or other figures seem to take shape on the clay surface. Her hands press, scratch, incise, and shape the clay into masks, three-dimensional objects, and pottery. Using a MIG welder, she transforms discarded metal bits and pieces into garden figures which dance in the wind, shine from the sun’s kisses, and sparkle in the rain. Her artwork brings harmony, color, and fun into the garden. “Speak my Name” is a playful image created from a potter’s wheel.