Artist Statement

Human geography sparks a poetic visual dialogue in my mind regarding what we create, and that which creates us.  I
express my ideas through the symbolic value of clay vessels in hopes they will subtly speak for themselves.  References of
traditional pottery forms, geology, and technology are often found in my work.  

Like a folk artist or traditional potter, I am interested in using materials from my environment.  I’ve collected and
experimented with clays and sediments from places I lived for about ten years and have found that certain materials used in
their unprocessed state allow for the most potential and special “flavor” to be added to my work.  The wood-firing process
brings new life to the clay as well, it is unpredictable and I welcome the dynamic results.  Since I collaborate with fire, my
own embellishments must work with the energy released by it.  

I am fascinated by the mysterious aspects of matter and energy that are in constant interaction around me, especially during
the creation of my art.  If my finished piece is ambiguous or open for interpretation; someone who sees it will inevitably
extract any variety of messages from it regardless of accuracy.  Therefore, the meaning they give to it becomes the reason
for its existence.

I salute the well-established relationship between humanity and ceramics, not only in the arts and crafts, but in modern and
ancient technology and communication.  Considering all this information, there is a profound sense of self-awareness while I
contemplate the design of all my vessels.
Endless clay cliffs along the Northern
California coastline.  Layers of sea
floor sediments have piled up along a
subduction zone, forming clay deposits
(and mountains). See the layers in the
picture.



















Clay
















Jagged terrain gives way to landslides
as clay erodes back into the ocean.