Artist Statement
My first hand in ceramics is working in sculpture forms dealing with places and objects considered to be “ruins” or “artifacts” in a greater narrative. In my functional ware, I translate that same feel with the use of texture, layering of slips, and imagery. When I make, I think about the irregularities of the texture, and how slips and imagery will interact with the surface. These “imperfections” tell a story in their own mysterious way, like looking at a stranger‘s hand with scars and wrinkles. What have they been through? What type of struggles have they endured to have become who they are today?
I tend to lean toward firing my work in a soda or wood kiln. These types of firings add to the story of each ware. Enduring the flames and ashes of the wood kiln to come out as a gem at the end. I love the beauty that is created from rising out of the ashes.