Artist Statement

Biography/ Artist Statement/ Resume

The focus in my wood and soda fired pottery is the interplay between form, texture, and contrasting surfaces.  I am intrigued with the repetition of patterns I find in nature and incorporate traces of these patterns into the clay surfaces.  Firing my forms in a wood and soda kiln, I can explore numerous variations within my wheel thrown and altered stoneware and porcelain pottery. With each cycle of making pots, I eagerly anticipate each firing for the surface effects between the clay, wood ash, flame and soda.

Cradling a cup or bowl in hand, I welcome the user to connect with my functional pots through the subtle textures I have impressed or carved into the clay.   At the wheel, I consider the fullness of a form, tonal variations within the surface, and rhythms that occur in the textures.  These individual elements are treated similarly to how I observe nature.  At first glance, my eyes are unable to focus on the variety in nature surrounding me.  Yet the little details are what I am drawn to, such as a leaf connecting to its stem, the softness of a seed enclosed in its shell, or the patterns of filtered light.  These small components in nature that reveal such variations are what I feel bring vitality and energy to my life.  By bringing these details into closer view, each pot I have created possesses the energy and insights I gather from my natural surroundings.  From drinking your morning coffee or serving a fresh green salad, it is my hope that each detail I’ve revealed in my pottery brings a sense of awareness and wonder to the daily rituals in our lives.