I want to make pots that are expressive, communicative. I feel like I am always looking for something— to express a quality in my work where the character of my pots is conveyed by being open, warm, generous, rotund, sensuous, loose and even jolly.
I play with proportion and relationships by stacking various volumes and components. I subtly suggest figure and character by manipulating forms after they are thrown. I roll out clay slabs and use them to hand build elements that are then assembled with thrown parts to create pieces that have a personality of their own. The use of line, pattern, and motif accentuate the mood or nature of the pot, and can prompt its use for specific occasions. When I decorate the surfaces with slips and glazes, I am very interested in making the marks and designs enhance the volume of each piece. I am inspired by historical pots from many cultures, including Japan, Crete, Chile, China, and native North American. The pots I respond to may be a quirky Pre-Columbian animal ewer, or the sophisticated designs of a Mimbres bowl.
I like to think that each pot has a personality of its own. With that in mind, I strive to make pots that feel good, look good, and function well. My focus is creating altered pottery forms that are good companions for daily use, or made to celebrate special occasions, enhancing rituals. I make things to entice the user to take pleasure in everyday activities, inviting participation, promoting hospitality.
