pottery

My pots always start off on the wheel. I love the challenge of working with movement to create something beautiful and functional. I still remember when I centered and made my first (successful) pot. It's magical. I've been chasing that magic ever since. 

There are multiple paths my pots take. Sometimes I alter a bit on the wheel (horse mugs) or make a ribbed line around the belly. I like to keep my forms simple and clean, especially if I have plans to add texture or an image. I am drawn to soft curves and clean lines and I strive to make pieces that are simplistic, interesting and pleasing to hold. 

I want my surface decoration and pot to compliment each other, so I put a lot of thought into how that will work.  I use thick slip to add texture and depth, which then acts as a canvas for me to paint a design or add a pop of color. I also press river rocks into the clay to create a dented texture, which I use a lot on jewelry and sculptural pieces. Other times I'll just keep it simple, with a smooth contour and no design at all. 

jewelry

I make all my jewelry by hand so each one is slightly different. I use porcelain in its raw state for white, and I mix mason stains into it to get a variety of colors. I press a river rock into the porcelain for texture, or inlay another color, or roll coils to add. I push kanthal wire, which is a high temp wire, into the clay when it is wet, creating the hook that will be attached to the ear wire. I use surgical steel for the ear wires.

They are unique, lightweight, and fun to wear!

JEWELRY CARE

 Porcelain jewelry is fragile, but more durable than you might think. And with a little extra love, they can last a long time. Store jewelry in a box or something with a little extra cushion. Be careful taking them on & off, especially over a hard surface. 

If your jewelry gets dirty, gently wash with soap and water.

When traveling, wrap each piece in a box and carry them with you if you can. Try to avoid any direct impact.

 ARTIST STATEMENT

Ceramics is my means of connection. Clay comes from the earth and when it reaches my hands, it becomes mine for a brief moment in time. I spend a lot of time with a piece, creating something I hope to pass on. That piece may become part of someone else’s life. It will hold a warm cup of tea, dangle on an ear, or hold a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. One day it may break, get crushed up and return to Mother Earth. And the cycle begins again. This connection to the earth, to each other, to every day life; it’s what drives me to create.