Building a lamp, urn, vase, or carving a sculpture is always a unique experience for me. I rarely have an exact final image in mind. I mostly let the endless possibilities of form, scale, texture and function that forever change with the mood of both creator and clay, determine my ultimate work of art. The majority of my pieces are hand built as hand building gives me a sense of freedom. I strive to use many elements in my creations from the marks of my fingers and tools to the effects of fire and smoke during the kiln process.

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After the first firing with clay getting converting to ceramic is when the painter in me comes alive. I often times feel that I am a painter who makes pottery. A big source of inspiration for me are painters from the 20th century, especially Picasso.

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The possibilities of glazing a piece are numerous. Layering glazes for that new ‘surprise’ or getting involved in intricately painting the piece with under-glazes or a combination of under and over glazes is where my true passion is released. I use fun, playful and narrative images onto three dimensional clay canvases. The sculptural aspect of the form opens up endless possibilities of creativity for me.

 

Functionality is a key element in my work. An object of art must perform some function along with imparting visual joy. All my wall murals and platters have been finished with food safe glazes and can be used to serve edibles. The urns can doubled as flower vases and jars to store items and the ‘Picasso’ inspired sculptures are actually candle holders. The stories in my pieces are an expression of my visual stimuli and my fanciful imagination.