Much of what I create is rooted in the utilitarian pottery tradition where functional concerns are paramount, however, it is my belief aesthetic considerations and functional concerns should share equal importance. Achieving a good balance between the two is my challenge. The objects I most enjoy creating are those that beg to live outside of the cupboard as objects for contemplation and enrichment until called into service. To me, the most successful pieces are those that leave their purpose open to the imagination of the user. I thrive on the excitement of experimentation and each series usually involves the exploration of a process, material or form towards the expression of the idea.
My passion for textiles is often evident in my work. There is something fascinating about the weaving together of materials into a new form that is more useful and beautiful than the parts alone. I am in awe of the technical achievement and captivated by the textures, colors and patterns formed by their union and endeavor to celebrate those elements on the surface of my ceramic forms.
The environment is also a favorite source of inspiration. It is my goal to draw attention to the amazing forms, color combinations, surfaces, and designs I encounter and preserve in some way the visual and emotional experience of naturally occurring beauty. Beyond life and earth forms, I look also to architecture and industrial objects as well as contemporary and historical art and craft across cultures.
My materials are stoneware and porcelain. Glazes may be employed for texture, color and design or simply as a liner. For the unglazed work, I hand color the clay bodies and slips with ceramic stain or use them in their natural state. The pieces are usually thrown, sometimes altered, and the designs etched into the surface. After bisque firing, the interiors are glazed, colored slip may be rubbed into the etched pattern, or glaze applied for surface design. The work is then fired to cone 7 in an electric kiln or to cone 10 in a soda atmosphere.
My passion for textiles is often evident in my work. There is something fascinating about the weaving together of materials into a new form that is more useful and beautiful than the parts alone. I am in awe of the technical achievement and captivated by the textures, colors and patterns formed by their union and endeavor to celebrate those elements on the surface of my ceramic forms.
The environment is also a favorite source of inspiration. It is my goal to draw attention to the amazing forms, color combinations, surfaces, and designs I encounter and preserve in some way the visual and emotional experience of naturally occurring beauty. Beyond life and earth forms, I look also to architecture and industrial objects as well as contemporary and historical art and craft across cultures.
My materials are stoneware and porcelain. Glazes may be employed for texture, color and design or simply as a liner. For the unglazed work, I hand color the clay bodies and slips with ceramic stain or use them in their natural state. The pieces are usually thrown, sometimes altered, and the designs etched into the surface. After bisque firing, the interiors are glazed, colored slip may be rubbed into the etched pattern, or glaze applied for surface design. The work is then fired to cone 7 in an electric kiln or to cone 10 in a soda atmosphere.
