Artist Statement

Since 2005, my work has involved the creation of elegant pieces, with a focus on the vase form. My pieces have evolved over time into my current body of work, which explores the beauty of the human figure through the motion and embellishment of form. The focus of my work is on the form, which is emphasized by the sweeping and subtle color variations of the applied glaze. The relationship formed by each group of vessels creates a visual narrative.

The potter’s wheel is the tool I use to create the base piece for my work. Using B-mix, a white stoneware, I throw the piece and trim it on the wheel, and then let it sit for up to an hour so that it stiffens slightly. I then alter the form by pushing the clay in and out and tilting its parts to produce the asymmetrical movement seen in my work. After the piece has dried, I sand it to give it its smooth surface and bisque-fire it in the electric kiln. The pieces are next glazed using tenmoku or other glazes, with varying levels of thickness, and are fired in the salt kiln. Finally, some of the forms are carefully selected and grouped according to the balance of color and form that is created when viewed together, while others are left to stand alone.

I chose to create this body of work because of the way the movement of the pieces and their relationships to each other speak to its audience. I hope to engage viewers with the dialogue between the vessels or through each vessel's strength as an individual. Each pair or group is interacting with one another through the unity of the piece and the negative spaces between the forms. As the viewer walks around the piece, new shapes are formed by the negative spaces created. The pieces ask to be seen from every angle and should cause their viewer to want to look further. The works succeed when they seem to come to life, through their movement, as their shapes reflect the beauty of the human figure.