Artist Statement

I have been a potter, sculptor, and ceramist for over 22 years. I also work in drawing, painting and photography. Working primarily on the potter’s wheel or with hand building methods, I create inspired sculptures that incorporate geometric and organic forms. I often contrast smooth and textured works together. Being able to work with such “opposites” keeps my work fresh. I enjoy using clay as I love how it feels in my hands when I mold it, and how many ways I can manipulate it. Whenever I throw, whatever I’m making I never feel that my work gets static or trite. I like to leave a little bit of bare clay at the bottom of my pieces to remind people that it’s a work of handmade, painstaking-designed, unique art.

I title my work either from what inspired me to make it or how it came out. For example, my painting “Glen Arbor Backyard” was titled that because I was moved by the beauty of the landscape in Glen Arbor, MI. My vase “Winter Unicorn” was given the name after the fact it conveyed to me a shiny metallic rainbow look and was made in the winter. Whether it’s on a vacation, in a private studio, or a studio class at my University I can direct the path my projects take. I am very enthused and attracted in color theory and like to use lots of colors in my work. There are always changing colors (and other senses) in the seasons to inspire me and incorporate into my art. I also employ juxtapositioning in my art. What at one point may look like my art is going in a very abstract and geometrical direction, endless form, texture, color potential and the organic and natural may take me in another. I create art that expresses my soul, and clay for me is the prime medium for that. It lets me explore all my different interests in the art world and is a cathartic way to strengthen my spirit.