Artist Statement
I am a functional ceramic artist who creates objects with a balance of form and surface, whereby the surface is dependent upon the choices of form. Evidence of handmade construction is a component I enjoy seeing in the finished piece. I start by throwing a symmetrical cylinder, bowl, or plate on the wheel, then alter the form by pushing from the interior or exterior. While still on the wheel I revisit the same area with an opposing force, creating organic lines that provide visual movement; continuing in this manner until I find lines forming that have movement or I can visualize how trimming may affect the overall shape. The layers build on each other to create a form that I decorate using designs and glazes.
The surface is an important element of my work. I view these different changes in form and surface to different experiences in nature; the pushing/pulling of form draws on the large dramatic changes of landscapes while small water-etched designs reflect on an exploration of small-scale nature such as leaves or wildflowers. Overall, I look for a soft quality to the pieces I create which is enhanced through the glaze. I choose to work with translucent glazes that emphasize the alterations to the forms or water-etched designs. Glaze can pool and run over surfaces to create a fluidity that I can not create in form. To allow for this, I fire in a gas kiln where I can control the atmosphere and temperature. It is important that the glazes I work with have an additional level of complexity creating another layer of visual movement. By choosing to work with glazes with both glossy and matte textures, I can achieve more variety to the surface. Finding a glaze to form colors and speckles can visually remind someone of a colorful sunset or dreamy starry night, which draws on ideas of nature.
Handmade functional ceramics are created to be used, therefore I intend my work to be part of someone’s daily life; a morning routine, dinner for two or a family table. These objects are to be vessels for serving or storage of food. Small objects such as mugs or bowls blend into the daily life of meals and enhance these simple routines. The teapot provides a catalyst between people and conversations while providing an environment to enjoy a quiet moment.
The surface is an important element of my work. I view these different changes in form and surface to different experiences in nature; the pushing/pulling of form draws on the large dramatic changes of landscapes while small water-etched designs reflect on an exploration of small-scale nature such as leaves or wildflowers. Overall, I look for a soft quality to the pieces I create which is enhanced through the glaze. I choose to work with translucent glazes that emphasize the alterations to the forms or water-etched designs. Glaze can pool and run over surfaces to create a fluidity that I can not create in form. To allow for this, I fire in a gas kiln where I can control the atmosphere and temperature. It is important that the glazes I work with have an additional level of complexity creating another layer of visual movement. By choosing to work with glazes with both glossy and matte textures, I can achieve more variety to the surface. Finding a glaze to form colors and speckles can visually remind someone of a colorful sunset or dreamy starry night, which draws on ideas of nature.
Handmade functional ceramics are created to be used, therefore I intend my work to be part of someone’s daily life; a morning routine, dinner for two or a family table. These objects are to be vessels for serving or storage of food. Small objects such as mugs or bowls blend into the daily life of meals and enhance these simple routines. The teapot provides a catalyst between people and conversations while providing an environment to enjoy a quiet moment.