Human and natural artifacts inspire me to think about what is lost in the erosion of time and what remains. I want my work to elicit feelings of inspection, curiosity, and recognition; to compel a primal desire to touch, to feel, and to know. I enjoy the mystery found in relics and objects, and I make work that taps into the energy of the unknown.
I hand build the pieces, using mainly pinch and coil methods. These construction processes help me to create rhythmic and refined forms, with strong curves and familiar references to organic objects establishing a connection between the work and our natural surroundings. Once the forms are created, a great deal of time and consideration is spent developing the surface. The added texture deepens the story of each piece, by adding complexity to the work, layering information, and inviting closer exploration.
The pieces are fired in a wood kiln, or a wood/soda kiln. The turbulent nature of these firings enhances the surface texture through flashing and ash deposits, with the dynamic quality of the atmosphere in the kiln simulating the story of natural weathering.
After firing, I spend time finding the best way to display the work, and am often drawn to using repurposed wood and scrap iron to complement the ceramic objects and complete the pieces. The finished sculptures represent artifacts that encourage a sense of joy in the act of exploration, inviting viewers to imagine stories that can be found in the forgotten.