Artist Statement

I approach my work with a “tenderly-aggressive” nature.  I like to work and finish clay while it’s wet and most receptive to my tool marks, finger pokes, scribbles, and punches.  I treat clay with intuition and intention.  I think of clay like a close brother.  We casually push each other around, even roughhouse sometimes, but always with love and respect.

My work is primarily high temperature stoneware and porcelain, and is either fired in my wood-burning kiln or in my hybrid gas, wood, and soda kiln.  I tend to fire my kiln’s with the same intuition that I use to make my work, rather than relying on traditional firing guidelines. I fire hot, aggressive, and in a heavy reduction.

Music may be the most important aspect of what I make even though I’m not a musician.  I often get so wrapped up in a certain musician or song, that I randomly scribble lyrics on the piece that I’m working on.  Clay, just like the music I listen to, is very visual, tactile and active to me.

My work is always evolving.  My curiosity and playfulness leads me to constant experimentation for new and unique results.