Artist Statement

Nature is often a common inspiration in the work of artists, and the same is true for me. My pottery is influenced in the way my life’s experiences interact with my relationship to nature and its connection to the viewer. I primarily work on the wheel where I explore techniques communicating my touch transforming the clay into individual forms. This creative process is a collaboration between myself, the clay and the firing process. Each piece is individually crafted by my hand and whether I am working on a single form or a series no two pieces are exactly the same. I am drawn to nature’s beauty, its natural forces and changing cycles. The tangible markings and colors on the surface of my pottery is my expression of patterns, shadows, colors, rhythms and textures that are present in my environment. Spiral designs in my work represent natures balance, harmony and evolution of life. It is this connection to the earth and the physical qualities of clay that inspires me to create.

As an art form I am also interested in the way pottery interacts with others. It is one of those rare forms of art that allows us to touch and to hold. Whether it is drinking from a mug, passing a bowl around a table, sharing an appetizer on a platter or arranging flowers from the garden in a vase. All of these actions inspire me as they connect people to a ceramic form. As the master potter Warren Mackenzie once said, “It is only when the user feels the presence of the hand of the potter that communication truly exists.”

Being able to work with my hands and create works of art that have a sense of balance and communicates my connection and vision to my surroundings has been amazing. I value and respect all the artists and educators that have touched my life, shared their knowledge, mentored and encouraged me to create. Their voices will travel with me through my journey as a potter, artist and educator.