Artist Statement
I find peace in the process of working with clay and creating art—and peace in using handmade items in everyday life.
My formal art education began at Central Michigan University with a fine arts minor. The ceramics portion of my fine arts minor was in handbuilding, but during graduate school at Michigan State University I took my first wheel class. After many years away from it, I began taking classes again and I am fortunate to have many inspiring teachers. I found that precision in my ceramics work and the experimentation necessary for glaze making was less than peaceful at first, but the challenge provides a wonderful opportunity to “invest in the process and let go of the outcome.” I enjoy the planning and visualization of glazing, yet I’ve grown more tolerant of the “magic of the kiln” and the many surprises that result.
I select clay to work with depending on my mood—some days I love the challenge and precision that porcelain requires and the elegance that it produces. Other days I enjoy the earthy feel of stoneware. Lately, my work tends to exhibit a contemporary simplicity with large blocks of color and strong contrasts. The serenity of green, beige and black are appealing to me. Nature also provides peaceful inspiration.
I primarily make functional pieces because I treasure the ability to find beauty and art in daily life. These pieces are meant to be both displayed and used.