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Artist Statement

Ceramics

The making of functional pots for daily use has intrigued me throughout my career as a studio potter. I often work in a series though most of these pieces are one-of-a-kind.  While function is important, the artistic qualities of the form are of primary interest to me.  Active surfaces and the interplay of contrasting glazes are unique to my pots. Form, proportion, volume, and glazes continue to challenge and surprise me. It is not my goal to replicate, but to create forms that are personal and beautiful. I have been greatly inspired by folk pottery of Asian and English potters.

 

The Process

 Much of my work is thrown, altered, and then assembled with hand built or modelled additions. Some pieces are draped over molds made of polystyrene. I often rework the surface by impressing, or carving, into the clay and adding clay additions to catch the eye. I work with both porcelain and stoneware clays. The work is first bisque fired then glazed by dipping, pouring, or spraying. After the glazes have dried, the work is again loaded into the kiln and high-fired in a natural gas kiln to about 2340F. This final firing takes between 12 and 16 hours. The kiln is then allowed to cool for 24 – 30 hours before unloading.