artist statement

statement
I love clay.  The texture, the plasticity, the coolness, even the smell, all appeal to me at the most basic level. To me it is an expression of earth in its most satisfying form. In my work, I seek to exploit that plasticity while allowing the clay to retain its more elemental color and texture. The forms begin simply, and then are pushed and creased and sprigged into more organic shapes. My pallet is rich and earthy, a combined effect of firing at high temperatures in a reduction atmosphere, layered glazes, and oxide brushwork. All of my work  is utilitarian and food safe. The highest compliments that any of my  pieces may garner are to be used often and to become part of the rhythm of one’s daily life. 

about the birds
Birds have an immediacy to them that I admire. They are always in the moment. There is no tomorrow or next week. Their migrations are a mystery to me. A thousand can move as one organism while at the same time  seeming only concerned with what is happening within six inches of their tiny heads. Then there are solitary birds, the great observers. I think of night herons and great blues and owls as the philosophers of the avian world. They are so still and meditative, and yet capable of such swift movement. Their incisiveness is so perfect. I want to express all of this in my distilled birds and at the same time use them as an allegory of human emotion and relationships. their innocence is a perfect expression of the purity of feelings of loneliness, union, longing, estrangement, familial affection, fulfillment, lots of playfulness... 
The situations into which I put these little birds, on iron fences, at cafe tables, flying kites, etc. are little bits of my memories stolen from some or another important landmark in my past. It is a way for me to honor and appreciate the little things and tremendous people who have made me who I am.